Landslides and rockfalls block key roads in Badulla as heavy rains continue

By Ranjth Rajapaksa

Colombo, Nov. 18 (Daily Mirror) - Continuous heavy rainfall across the Badulla district has triggered multiple landslides and rockfalls, blocking several roads and causing significant property damage, Badulla District Secretary Panduka Sri Prabath Abeywardena said today (18).

A landslide collapsed onto the road in the Kotugahatenna area along the Ella–Passara route, while another occurred in the 2nd Kanuwa area on the Koslanda–Poonagala road. The Bandarawela–Liyangahawela–Ambadandegama road has also been blocked by a landslide.

In the Ambadandegama area of Bandarawela, a large rock mass collapsed onto the roadway at night, bringing traffic to a complete halt. The Chairman of the Bandarawela Pradeshiya Sabha, along with councillors and staff, worked through the night using a backhoe to clear the debris and restore access.

The Haldummulla Kelipanawela Shoe Bridge (Kosuwa) was submerged yesterday evening (17) as rising water levels overflowed due to the heavy rains. The Disaster Management Center said efforts are underway to remove debris blocking both sides of the bridge.

Additionally, a rock mass collapsed near Bistle Bend on the Welimada–Keppetipola–Hewanakubura road, causing further traffic disruption in the area.

Authorities urge motorists to exercise caution and avoid affected routes as unstable ground conditions persist.