15,000 families living in landslide and rockfall risk areas: NBRO warns

By Indika Sri Aravinda 

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has warned that nearly 15,000 families are living in 250 high-risk areas across the country, making them vulnerable to landslides and rockfalls. 

Officials said 230 landslide zones and 20 rockfall areas have been identified. Investigations also showed that many people have built homes or settled illegally in these danger zones, which increases the risk. The government is planning to blast large unstable rocks in some areas to prevent future landslides. But this will require evacuating residents, including those near schools, hospitals, and important businesses, making relocation challenging. 

Despite repeated warnings to move to safer areas, many people have refused to leave because of social and economic reasons. Currently, about 60,000 people live in these high-risk zones. 

Senior Geologist Laksiri Indrathilaka of NBRO said disasters like the Lower Kadugannawa tragedy could happen again if action is not taken immediately. 

He added that previous resettlement plans failed because there was no suitable land and the new areas did not provide good economic opportunities. Even an apartment housing scheme offered by the government was rejected by the residents. Indrathilaka also said NBRO has given technical advice on illegal constructions to district authorities. The 13 districts with high-risk areas include Badulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Gampaha, Monaragala, and Kurunegala. 

He warned that both natural causes and human activities continue to increase the risk of future disasters.