COLOMBO — The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a Level 3 evacuation warning, the highest alert for landslides, effective for the next 24 hours starting from 1600 hrs on December 7th. This urgent advisory comes as Sri Lanka faces intensifying rainfall and worsening ground saturation following days of severe flooding across the nation.
Residents in high-risk divisions across the Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Matale districts are strongly urged to evacuate immediately to safer locations. The NBRO warns that continuous rainfall has led to dangerous soil movement, significantly increasing the likelihood of slope failures, rockfalls, and earth slips, which can occur without warning.
Districts Under Level-3 Evacuation Warning
Kandy District
- Ganga Ihala Korale
- Thumpane
- Medadumbara
- Akurana
- Kundasale
- Udunuwara
- Doluwa
- Ududumbara
- Pathahewaheta
- Harispattuwa
- Minipe
- Gangawata Korale
- Pasbage Korale
- Panvila
- Hatharaliyadda
- Yatinuwara
- Pathadumbara
- Deltota
- Poojapitiya
- Udapalatha
Kegalle District
- Warakapola
- Aranayaka
- Galigamuwa
- Rambukkana
- Bulathkohupitiya
- Yatiyanthota
- Mawanella
Kurunegala District
- Rideegama
- Polgahawela
- Mallawapitiya
- Alawwa
- Mawathagama
Matale District
- Yatawatta
- Matale
- Ambanganga Korale
- Pallepola
- Laggala Pallegama
- Rattota
- Naula
- Ukuwela
- Wilgamuwa
A Nation Reeling from Flood Devastation
The landslide threat compounds the challenges faced by a country already grappling with widespread flooding that has affected hundreds of thousands. Over the past week, Sri Lanka has experienced:
- Dozens of communities submerged as rivers burst their banks
- Critical infrastructure damage, including roads and bridges
- Displacement of families, with many seeking refuge in temporary relief centers
Ongoing multi-agency humanitarian operations, such as the massive Sirasa Sahana Yathra relief effort, are delivering aid by land, water, and air to those in need.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
According to experts, the current situation is exacerbated by climate change, which has led to unpredictable weather patterns and increased rainfall intensity. Dr. Anura Ranasinghe, a climate scientist, noted, “The frequency and severity of these natural disasters are a wake-up call for Sri Lanka to invest in more resilient infrastructure and effective early warning systems.”
Historically, Sri Lanka has faced similar challenges, with the 2017 floods and landslides causing significant casualties and economic losses. The government has since implemented various measures to mitigate such disasters, but the current events highlight the need for further action.
Moving Forward
Residents in the affected areas are urged to heed evacuation warnings and relocate to safer ground immediately. The Disaster Management Centre has advised the public to visit www.dmc.gov.lk or call the hotline 117 for more information and assistance.
Sri Lanka continues to brace for additional rainfall in the coming hours as emergency teams race to protect vulnerable communities. The government and humanitarian agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens during this critical time.
