Dangerous zones going at low prices?

By Nadia Fazlulhaq

Around 50 areas in the Central Province are named as dangerous zones which are directly prone to natural disasters.“Even though the inter-monsoon period is over the North-East monsoon has lashed many parts of the Central and Uva Provinces. The triggering cause for landslides and other natural disasters in the hill country is the rain, now many areas in the Central Province are experiencing heavy as well as continues light showers,” said Samantha Bopitiya, Geologist based in the Central Province attached to the National Building Research Organization. According to Mr. Bopitiya these dangerous areas are situated in Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Badulla districts.

“Residents living in these districts should be extra careful on their land and should be alert,” he said. He said that areas in Walapane, Hanguranketha in Nuwara Eliya, Yatawatte, Rattota in Matale District, Peradeniya, Suduhumpola and Udunuwara in Kandy District and Uva Paranagama DS, Ella DS and Haliela DS in Badulla District were some of the prone areas.

“Last year the hill country experienced many natural disasters and it’s likely to continue this year too,” he added. “Some of the land owners in these landslide prone areas are using false excuses to sell land at low prices. People who hope to buy land in these areas should be vigilant when purchasing,” he said.