The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has confirmed that several landslides have occurred in Udadumbara, Kandy following more than 300 millimetres of rainfall over the past 48 hours.
A landslide was reported in Denapitiya, causing damage to several houses, Senior Geologist Dr Wasantha Senadheera said, adding that residents have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
He also said that the Walapane road from the Rikillagaskada area has been blocked due to a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall affecting parts of the Nuwara Eliya District. Meanwhile, the Matale District recorded rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres yesterday (18).
Dr Senadheera noted that several other minor landslides have been reported, although detailed assessments are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Disaster Management Centre Director General Major General (Retd.) Sampath Kotuwegoda said the Central Province has been experiencing increased rainfall due to the activation of Northeast Monsoon conditions in recent days. He assured that the DMC is on standby to provide relief in the event of sudden disasters and urged residents in landslide-prone mountainous areas to evacuate immediately if early warning signs appear.
Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) Eng. L. S. Sooriyabandara said water levels in the Manampitiya area of the Mahaweli River Basin have risen above the minor flood level due to heavy rainfall.
He warned that low-lying areas up to Trincomalee could face further inundation, noting that the access road to the Somawathiya area is already flooded. While the Malwathu Oya at Thanthirimale has also reached a minor flood level, he said no further rise is expected.
Sooriyabandara added that 34 of the country’s 73 major reservoirs and 48 medium-sized reservoirs are currently spilling, but stressed that no water releases are taking place that would worsen flood conditions. He urged the public to promptly report any sudden changes in water levels around reservoirs during the rainy season to ensure safety.
