Approximately 4,800 landslides have been identified through satellite-based assessments carried out in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, according to Kumari Meegahakotuwa, Director General of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies.

Speaking at a media briefing held today (12) at the Department of Government Information, Meegahakotuwa said satellite imagery captured during and after the cyclone was used to conduct comprehensive landslide mapping across the country.

She explained that analysis of the satellite data showed the number of landslides to be far higher than figures previously reported in the media.

The nationwide satellite assessment enabled the complete mapping of landslide-affected areas, indicating that the total number of incidents is close to 4,800.

“Using satellite imagery captured during and after Cyclone Ditwah, we carried out landslide mapping. Based on these maps, we were able to identify that the number of landslides is far greater than what has been reported through the media. Through satellite imagery, we identified approximately 4,800 landslide incidents,” Meegahakotuwa said.