The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has extended the landslide early warnings it first issued on the night of May 14, citing continuing heavy rainfall across the central, southwestern and Sabaragamuwa regions.
Senior Geologist Dr. Wasantha Senadheera said the Level 2 “Amber” alert — the second-highest tier — now covers 26 Divisional Secretariat divisions across six districts: Seethawaka in Colombo; Neluwa in Galle; Palindanuwara, Agalawatta, Matugama, Horana and Walallawita in Kalutara; Ganga Ihala Korale, Deltota, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Pathahewaheta, Yatinuwara, Doluwa, Uda Palatha, Panvila and Akurana in Kandy; Narammala and Alawwa in Kurunegala; and Pelmadulla, Ratnapura, Eheliyagoda, Ayagama, Kuruwita, Kiriella and Kalawana in Ratnapura.
A Level 1 “Yellow” watch has additionally been issued for 41 divisions across 13 districts, stretching from Badulla, Gampaha, Kegalle and Matale to Matara, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya and parts of Galle and Ratnapura.
Dr. Senadheera warned that there is a risk of landslide reactivation in areas that have previously shown signs of slope instability in mountainous terrain. He urged residents, commuters and people engaged in nearby activities to remain highly vigilant and take precautionary measures.
The extension follows yesterday’s NBRO Level 2 advisory covering Galle and Kalutara divisions, which itself succeeded the broader flood and landslide watch under the May 14 low-pressure system. Two deaths in Batticaloa and 88 damaged houses have been logged so far under the wider weather situation that the Met Department expects to recede over the next 36 hours.
