News
Landslide warnings continue to be in place for many areas
With the floods receding, and other risks posed by the torrential rains fading, people evacuated from high-risk zones are slowly returning home. About 22 persons were killed in the recent floods and landslides, and over 250,000 affected.
The Ratnapura, Galle, Colombo, Kalutara and Kegalle Districts were the worst affected.
Inundated lives Pix by Akila Jayawardana
Assistant Director – Disaster Management Centre, Kegalle, Anushka Chamila said in that district, where the highest number of casualties (6 deaths) were reported due to landslides, that they were conducting ground inspections. Landslides caused by the recent rains are being identified and marked.
The landslide early warning red alert issued for the Warakapola Divisional Secretariat in the Kegalle District was extended by the National Building Research Organisation.
Meanwhile, Level 2 landslide warnings were issued for Ratnapura, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Kalutara, Kegalle, Colombo, and the public were advised to be watchful of possible slope failures, rock falls, cutting failures, and ground subsidence, following continuous rain in these areas.
Senior Scientist at the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), Dr Wasantha Senadeera said: “As the Met Department predicted that a number of areas around the country could experience heavy rainfall, we have extended the red alerts issued.
“However, if there is a threat of a landslide, the NBRO would alert the area of the possibility. But people are not being cautious following the warnings. The recent incident in Warakapola is the best example. We can’t undo what has already happened.
“A majority of these earth slips occur as a result of manmade activities … the blocking of downstream waterways and construction in water retention areas, have been attributed to prolonged flooding. Recovery and reconstruction may also pose threats to the environment.”
Mainly 14 districts have been declared as being vulnerable to earth slips and landslides in Sri Lanka. Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Matara, Colombo and Gampaha are districts where lanslides are most frequent.
Kalutara Divisional Secretariat, Disaster Relief Services Officer, Mr Krishan said: “We have provided food and other essential items for those in need during the flooding.”
He added: “Although some areas are now safe to return to, many houses in the district have been greatly impacted by the floods and landslides. Those who were in disaster shelters have shifted to live in their relative’s places.”
Ms Illukkumbura, Divisional Secretariat of Ratnapura said funds have been allocated in the affected areas for distribution of cooked foods and dried rations to flood victims.
In addition, the District Secretariat has requested for allocations for chemical explosions in Midigama Division due to a hazardous rock that poses a danger to pedestrians and 15 houses and 60 people.
Eight temporary shelters are still functioning in the Ratnapura District as landslide warnings were extended.
The Meteorology Department forecasts showers in the Sabaragamuwa Province and in the Nuwara Eliya and Kandy Districts.