Fresh landslide risk in Badulla, ten families evacuated

• This area was identified as a  landslide risk zone in 2019

By Saman Palitha Nanayakkara - Haldummulla   

Deputy Director of Badulla District Disaster Management  Coordinating Unit E. M. L. Udaya Kumara said yesterday that a  landslide-prone area in Malithagolla area in Ella has become active  again, and the situation has accelerated. He added that ten families have  been informed to evacuate to safer locations following advice from the  National Building Research Organization.   This landslide has become active in a vast area above the road near the 16th-kilometre post of the Ella - Wellawaya Road.   

Udaya Kumara stated that this area was identified as a  landslide risk zone in 2019, and now it has escalated to a high-risk  zone.   

He added that, based on the current situation, there are  early indications of significant potential damage. Additionally, with  this landslide being activated near a water catchment area, muddy spring  water has emerged from underground.   

It has also been reported that the members of the ten  families, who were informed to evacuate this dangerous area, are  attempting to remain there without paying attention to the evacuation  notice.   
Udaya Kumara further added that activities for implementing  short-term and long-term measures related to this activated landslide  have commenced through coordination with all involved parties.