Alert for landslide risk if rains continue: NBRO

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) today said if the prevailing weather condition continues, people living near the mountainous areas in Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle and Kalutara districts to be vigilant on the possible landslides risks.

The NBRO identified Kiriella, Ayagama, Eheliyagoda, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Ambagamuwakorale, Deraniyagala, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, Yatiyanthota, Bulathkohupitiya, Aranayake, Kegalle, Warakapola, Rambukkana, Mawanella, Galigamuwa, Agalawatta, Palindanuwara, Walallawita, Ingiriya, Matumaga, Kalutara and Bulathsinhala as potential risk areas.

The NBRO said that there was the possibility of landslide and cut slope failures if the rain receives within the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said over 3000 persons have been evacuated to safe places due to landslide risks in the above areas.

DMC spokesman Pradeep Kodippili said water levels in the Kalu Ganga and Gin Ganga are rising and residents in the lower river bank areas to be vigilant.

According to the DMC reports the water levels in the areas of Mallakanda, Palatupana and Baddegama are rising.

Mr. Kodippili said 48 bodies had been recovered from Aranayake landslide site and another 96 people were still listed as missing.

He said the military personnel were still searching for missing persons.

The Metiorology Department said showers or thunder showers would occur at times in the Western, North-Western, Southern, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces.

The Department said the thunder showers would occur at few places in the Uva and Eastern provinces, particularly after 2.00 pm.