Early Landslide warning issued to Kalutara, Kegalle and Galle

Colombo(News 1st) - National Building Research Organization and Disaster Management Center has issued an early landslide warning from 23rd to 24th of September due to the prevailing heavy falls across the island. The warning has been specifically addressed to the residents of three districts; Kalutara, Kegalle and Galle. The authorities emphasize, considering the fact that rainfall within the past 24 hours has exceeded 75mm and is continued at a similar pace, the residents of respective locations should be watchful on the possible landslides, slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures and ground subsidence. NBRO and DMC request the residents in areas susceptible to landslides to be extra vigilant and be prepared to move quickly to safer places during this Landslide Early Warning period if the rainfall continues. The departments emphasize that development of cracks on the ground, deepened cracks, ground subsidence, slanting of trees, electrical posts, fences, and telephone posts are signs of pre-landslides. Cracks in the floors or walls of buildings which are built at slopes, the sudden appearance of springs, emerging muddy water, blockage or disappearance of existing springs are highlighted as further indications of pre-landslides. People are strictly advised to move immediately away from the areas where the above pre-landslide signs are observed. Agalawatta, Bulathsinhala, Dodangoda, Ingiriya, Mathugama, Palindanuwara, Walallawita Divisional secretariat and locations in its close proximity are included in the list of areas exposed to landslide threats in the district of Kalutara. Yatiyanthota Divisional secretariat division and its surrounding areas of Kegalle district are certain other locations included in the warning. The warning has been further extended to Elpitiya, Galle Four Gravets, Imaduwa, Nagoda, Neluwa, Niyagma, Thawalama Divisional secretariat division, and surrounding areas.