Landslide, flood warnings issued to Ratnapura owing to heavy downpour

Weather authorities have issued landslide and flood warnings in the Ratanupra district owing to heavy rains experienced in the area.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC), in a weather warning issued today (Jul 18), cautioned that landslides may occur in Ratnapura and Balangoda, and especially Walallawita.

Accordingly, residents who notice signals of a landslide have been advised to take precaution and move towards safer locations.

The Meteorological Department also cautioned that the Ratnapura district may experience flooding due to the overflowing of the Kalu Ganga. Rainfall is expected to range between 59 to 172 millimetres in several parts of the district.

Meanwhile, landslide warnings have also been issued to Nuwara Eliya while traffic along the Hatton – Colombo road has been limited to one line after minor landslides blocked a portion of the road today.

Police have also urged the public to remain vigilant while using the Hatton – Colombo road in several parts of Diyagala after a similar situation had been experienced over the last few hours.