Landslide alerts issued for six districts as weather risks escalate

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide early warnings affecting six districts in the central and western regions of Sri Lanka. The alerts, which commenced at 9:00 p.m. on October 15, remain valid until 9:00 p.m. on October 16.

Districts placed on Warning Level 2 — requiring heightened alert status — include Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, and Matara. Level 2 warnings indicate increased risk of landslides and require residents and authorities in these areas to monitor weather developments closely and prepare contingency measures.

The NBRO regularly assesses geological and meteorological conditions across Sri Lanka to forecast landslide hazards, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The organisation issues tiered alert levels to enable communities and disaster management officials to take preventive action and minimise potential casualties and property damage.

Residents in affected districts are advised to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel in hilly or steep terrain during the warning period. Local authorities have been notified to maintain readiness for potential emergency response operations if conditions deteriorate further.