Weather: NBRO extends landslide warnings

• Level One advisories remain in multiple districts; public urged to stay alert
• Showers and thunderstorms expected across provinces, with localised strong winds and lightning.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has extended landslide warnings in several districts, cautioning that even light rainfall could trigger disasters in vulnerable areas. 

Senior Geologist Dr. Wasantha Senadheera told the media that heavy rainfall at the end of November and during the first week of December last year has left many regions at risk. “Several areas have already shown early signs of landslides, and even minor rain can reactivate these locations,” he said, urging the public to remain vigilant about their surroundings.

Level One advisories continue for multiple Divisional Secretariat divisions, including Lunugala, Meegahakiula, Welimada, Kandaketiya, Hali-Ela, Uva-Paranagama, and Passara in the Badulla District. The warnings also remain in effect for Minipe and Udadumbara divisions in the Kandy District; Wilgamuwa, Ukuwela, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, and Laggala-Pallegama in the Matale District; and Neeldandahinna, Walapane, Mathurata, and Hanguranketha in the Nuwara-Eliya District.

Dr. Senadheera noted that these advisories may be updated depending on changing rainfall patterns and conditions in high-risk areas.

The Department of Meteorology stated that showers or thundershowers are expected at times in Northern, North-central, Uva, Eastern, and Central Provinces, as well as Hambantota District. Scattered showers may occur elsewhere after 1.00 p.m., with fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm likely in parts of Eastern, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. Misty conditions are expected in the early morning in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central Provinces, and in Galle and Matara Districts. The public has been advised to take precautions against temporary strong winds, lightning, and other hazards during thunderstorms.

Source - The Morning