’’Be ready to evacuate,” NBRO says in landslide warning

Landslide warnings have been issued to several divisional secretariat divisions(DSD) in Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Kandy and Galle districts. 

The National Building Research Organization(NBRO) issued a level 2 (amber) warning to those residing in Ingiriya and Bulathsinhala DSD in Kalutara district, Warakapola DSD and surrounding areas in Kegalle district and Kuruvita, Ratnapura and Eheliyagoda DSD in Ratnapura district. 

A level 2 warning is issued urging the public in the areas to be on alert.

“Since the rainfall within the past 24 hours has exceeded 100mm, there is a possibility of landslides, slope failures, rock falls and cut failures. Be ready to be evacuated to a safe location if the need arises,” the level 2 warning said. 

Immediate evacuation takes place when a level 3(red) warning is issued. 

Meanwhile, a level 1(yellow) warning has been issued to Baddegama, Nagoda and Elpitiya DSD in Galle district, Walallawita, Matugama and Palindanuwara DSD and surrounding areas in Kalutara district, Udapalatha DSD in Kandy district and Yatiyantota, Bulathkohupitita, Deraniyagala and Ruwanwella in Kegalle district and Kiriella, Kalawana and Ayagama in Ratnapura district. 

The NBRO requested those living in landslide-prone areas to pay attention to pre-landslide signs such as the development of cracks on the ground and walls, slanting of trees, fences and electric poles, sudden appearance of springs, emerging muddy water and immediately move to safe places.