Landslide early warning issued for 6 districts

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has updated the Level 3 (Red) alert on landslide early warning for Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts.

People living in Lagglala, Pallegala, Yatawatta, Naula, Wilgamuwa, Rattota, Ududumbara, Medadumbara, Walapane, Badulla, Bandarawela, Welimada, Hali-Ela, Uvaparanagama, Ella, Haldummulla, Passara, Lunugala, Haputale and Soranatota divisional secretariats and surrounding areas have been cautioned as the rainfall within the past 24 hours has exceeded 150mm.

If the rains continue, they are advised to evacuate to safe locations to avoid the risk of landslides, slope failures rock falls and ground subsidence.

Level 2 (Amber) alert was issued for Ambanganga-Korale, Ukuwela, Pallepola, Matale, Hanguranketha, Badalkumbura, Medagama and Bibila divisional secretariats and surrounding areas of Matale, Nuwara Eliya and Monaragala districts. People are advised to be ready to evacuate if the rains continue.

Issuing a Level 1 (yellow) alert for Pathahewaheta, Nuwara Eliya, Balangoda and Imbulpe divisional secretariats and surrounding areas, the NBRO cautioned people living in these areas to be vigilant of the potential landslide risks.

In the meantime, four trains scheduled to commute today have been cancelled as the railway line between Ambanpola and Moragollagama was inundated by floodwater, says the Department of Railways.

Deputy General Manager of Railways said the Polonnaruwa Intercity Express scheduled for this evening as well as another train, which was to depart in the morning, were cancelled due to the adverse weather condition.

In the meantime, the ‘Meenagaya’ Express Train and the Night Mail Train from Trincomalee to Batticaloa have also been cancelled.

Following an inspection on the railway line, an announcement will be made on operating trains tomorrow (23), the Railway Department said further.