Deep depression set to slam Sri Lanka; Landslide alerts issued

Colombo, January 8 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is bracing for a high-impact weather event tomorrow night as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is forecast to make landfall, triggering torrential rain, landslides, and emergency evacuations, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Director General Eng. (Dr.) Asiri Karunawardena warned.

He said the Meteorology Department has warned that a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to cross Sri Lanka tomorrow night, increasing the risk of heavy rain and landslides, particularly in the Central Highlands.

According to the Department, the system located southeast of the island will move westward across the southwestern Bay of Bengal, then turn northwest and enter Sri Lanka between Hambantota and Kalmunai between 5.30 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. tomorrow (January 9).

With intense rainfall forecast, urgent landslide warnings have been issued for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions on the eastern slopes of the Central Highlands. Authorities strongly advise residents in landslide-prone areas, including locations already showing signs of soil movement, slopes, valleys, and man-made embankments, to evacuate to safer locations before the afternoon of January 9.

In the Kandy District, areas at risk include Minipe, Medadumbara, Panwila, Doluwa, Delthota, and Ududumbara.

In the Badulla District, warnings cover Kandaketiya, Passara, Badulla, Lunugala, Haputale, Ella, Bandarawela, Hali Ela, Welimada, Meegahakivula, and Uva Paranagama.

In Matale District, residents in Wilgamuwa, Ambanganga Korale, Ratthota, Naula, Ukuwela, and Laggala Pallegama have been urged to remain on high alert.

In the Nuwara Eliya District, the affected areas are Walapane, Nildandahinna, Mathurata, Hanguranketha, and Nuwara Eliya.

Authorities stressed that if landslides occur, people must remain in safe locations until NBRO officials inspect affected areas and issue further instructions.

The NBRO said it will continue to provide updates based on evolving weather conditions and rainfall patterns. Meanwhile, the Tri Forces have been placed on standby to assist in rescue, relief, and restoration operations related to floods, landslides, and adverse weather.

The public has been urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel in high-risk areas. The Tri Forces are on standby to assist the public with rescue, relief, and restoration efforts in the event of floods, landslides, and adverse weather, providing assistance such as food, water, medical aid, and debris clearance, while urging the public to contact hotlines such as 117 for help.