03 missing in Ratnapura landslide; Irrigation Dept. warns of rising water levels

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three people are reported missing following a landslide in Ella, Ratnapura.

Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Center Pradeep Kodippilli speaking to News 1st said the unfortunate incident took place early on Friday (04) morning, adding that earth embankments also collapsed with the landslide.

"The Disaster Management Center along with the armed forces launched a search operation," he said while issuing a warning that water levels of multiple rivers are rising.

The Department of Irrigation said the Kelani River is reaching spill level following a torrential downpour.

The Department of Irrigation added that a considerable rainfall exceeding around 150 mm was reported in most of the Middle catchment areas of the Aththanagalu Oya Basin as of 9.00 AM on Friday (04).

By analyzing the current rainfall situation and river water levels of Hydrological Stations in Aththanagalu Oya, there is a possibility of a considerable flood situation (Minor Flood) in low line areas of Aththanagalu Oya and Uruwal Oya valleys situated in Attanagalla, Gampaha, Minuwangoda, and Ja-Ela D/S Divisions.

Sri Lanka's Met Department said the prevailing showery condition in the Southwestern parts of the country (particularly in Western, 

Sabaragamuwa, and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts) and North-western province is expected to continue further.