Pahala Kadugannawa landslide death toll rises to five

Another individual trapped in the Pahala Kadugannawa landslide has been found dead, raising the total number of fatalities to five, according to hospital sources.

Earlier, the bodies of two other individuals who were trapped in the Pahala Kadugannawa landslide were recovered, according to the Disaster Management Centre. 

So far, three males and one female have been identified among the deceased, while at least four others have sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.

The DMC said that search operations are continuing amidst reports that more victims could be trapped underneath the rubble. 

Earlier, one person was confirmed dead, four others were hospitalized, and several more remained trapped following the landslide near Ganetenna Junction in Kadugannawa along the Colombo–Kandy main road. 

Hospital sources confirmed that four individuals trapped in the landslide have been rescued and admitted to Mawanella Hospital.

Later a man who was rescued from the Pahala Kadugannawa landslide site and hospitalized had succumbed to his injuries while an injured woman who had been trapped inside a shop buried by the landslide at Pahala Kadugannawa was also rescued and admitted to hospital, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported.

Meanwhile, it is reported that rescue operation are ongoing to rescue several other persons trapped under the rubble.

The landslide reportedly struck a roadside shop, with earth and debris collapsing onto the shop and several vehicles. 

The shop which sells snacks and tea, located near the main road in the Ganethenna area, is said to be a popular stop for motorists and passengers using the road.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), rescue operations are currently underway. 

Initially three individuals trapped in the debris were rescued and admitted to Mawanella Base Hospital.

The incident has led to traffic restrictions, with traffic movement on the Colombo–Kandy main road temporarily restricted to one lane along that road section. Vehicular movement along this lane has also been halted to ensure safety, said police.

Authorities have warned that ongoing heavy rainfall increases the risk of landslides, rockfalls, and earth slips, particularly in the Pahala Kadugannawa area. 

The public has been advised to use alternate routes, as the road remains temporarily closed from the Ganetenna area as a precautionary measure, police added.