NBRO Warns of Fresh Landslide Threat as New Weather System Approaches Sri Lanka
November 12, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has cautioned that further landslides could occur in areas where the ground was destabilised by Cyclone Ditwah, urging residents in vulnerable locations to remain alert as another spell of heavy rainfall is expected to affect the country.
NBRO Geologist Wasantha Senadeera issued the warning yesterday, noting that saturated soil and weakened slopes could become increasingly unstable under further rainfall, creating the risk of sudden earth movements.
Landslide warnings have been issued for Nagoda in the Galle District; Dehiowita, Deraniyagala, Bulathkohupitiya and Yatiyantota in the Kegalle District; Eheliyagoda and Ayagama in Ratnapura; Ella in Badulla; Pathadumbara in Kandy; Wellawaya in Moneragala; and Norwood and Hanguranketha in the Nuwara Eliya District.
Senadeera urged people living in these areas, particularly those near steep slopes and locations previously affected by landslides, to pay close attention to changing ground conditions and official alerts.
He also warned of possible sand erosion, explaining that residents may notice water flowing with sand mixed into it. Such signs should not be ignored, as they could indicate changes in ground stability.
Meanwhile, Director of the Department of Meteorology’s Forecasting Division Merril Mendis said a developing weather disturbance over the Bay of Bengal was expected to intensify into a deep depression, potentially bringing adverse weather conditions to Sri Lanka.
According to Mendis, the system is forecast to move parallel to the island’s Eastern coastline, but its influence could extend across several parts of the country. Heavy rainfall is expected in the Western, North Central, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces from 13 November onwards.
He further indicated that generally wet weather conditions could prevail across Sri Lanka until January next year. A comparatively dry period is then expected between January and April, with the anticipated development of El Niño conditions likely to influence rainfall patterns.
Authorities have urged the public to follow weather forecasts and safety notices issued by the Department of Meteorology, the NBRO and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), particularly as the country continues to deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
People have also been advised to postpone unnecessary excursions and avoid bathing in rivers, reservoirs and other waterways where currents may become dangerous following heavy rainfall.
The DMC disclosed that 11 people had drowned across the country during the preceding two weeks while bathing in high-risk locations, highlighting the dangers associated with entering rivers and other water bodies during periods of adverse weather.
Officials have stressed that public cooperation and timely attention to warnings are essential to prevent further loss of life, particularly in communities exposed to landslides, flooding and rapidly changing river conditions.
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