More rain, more problems, warns Met. Department

By N. Dilshath Banu

The Meteorological Department has warned of thundershowers in the North, East, North Central, South East and the South and said the downpour may cause landslide as well.

“This is the normal monsoonal pattern and areas like Yala will experience heavy showers and hilly areas are in danger of landslides,” said Met. Dept. Director General Dr. G.H.P. Dharmaratne.

He added that the heavy showers would cease early this week but warned that landslides triggered by the rains may continue.
The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has warned those in Nuwar Eliya, Kandy, Budulla and Matale Districts of the possibilty of landslides.

“With the recent landslides in Nuwar Eliya, new slopes have been identified as landslide prone areas. Walapane and Hangurnaketha Pradeshiya Sabha areas are likely to be affected and steps have been taken to relocate the people in temporary shelters,” said NBRO geologist Samatha Kumara Bogahapitiya.

According to the NBRO, Suduhumpola, areas around Peradeniya town, Udunuwara Pradeshiya Saba vicinity, areas in Gampola-Nuwara Eliya road in the Kandy District, Hali-ela, Ella, Bandarawela, Saranathota, Uva Paranagama in the Badulla District and hilly areas of Matale District may experience landslides.

“We are relocating those affected to temporary shelters. The next step will be to identify proper land for permanent resettlement. Currently, we are more focused on identifying danger zones and evacuating people,” said Mr. Bogahapitiya.