NBRO warns of renewed landslide risk in Ditwah-affected areas amid heavy rains

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has warned of a possible reactivation of landslide-prone areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah due to the heavy rainfall experienced over the past several days.

NBRO Senior Scientist Dr. Wasantha Senadheera said the risk has increased as the soil in several areas has become saturated with water following continuous rainfall.

He warned that even a short spell of heavy rain could trigger landslides and rockfalls, urging the public to remain highly vigilant, especially in vulnerable areas.

Dr. Senadheera said weather forecasts indicate that rainfall could intensify further on August 7 and 8, increasing the risk of earth slips, soil erosion, and rockfalls in areas already affected by unstable ground conditions.

He advised motorists to exercise extra caution when travelling through landslide-prone locations and urged residents living near canals and waterways to remain alert.

The public has been advised to immediately move away from locations where warning signs such as the emergence of new water springs, cracks in the ground, or leaning electricity poles are observed.

According to Dr. Senadheera, a total of 21 incidents related to the recent adverse weather conditions have been reported, including 15 incidents from the Kegalle District and four from the Nuwara Eliya District. He added that five deaths have been reported due to landslides.

The NBRO currently operates nearly 330 automated rainfall monitoring stations and continuously monitors data from its systems along with those operated by the Department of Meteorology and the Irrigation Department.

Dr. Senadheera said the organisation will issue necessary warnings if heavy rainfall conditions are detected and urged the public to follow evacuation instructions promptly to protect their lives during emergencies.