Landslide warnings of NBRO still valid

Saturday, 5 February 2011 02:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shezna Shums

The National Building Research Organisationa, Geologist, R.M.S.Bandara told the Daily FT that the NBRO was struggling to cope with all the investigations they have to carry out, especially with regard to the active landslides that are being currently reported.

Active landslides are continuing to cause disruption to lives, property and road networks in several districts of the country

The districts with the landslides most active are Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Kandy and Matale.

Yesterday the NBRO geologists were in the upcountry districts, carrying out their investigations on active landslides. Active landslides occur when the land surface can be seen to be moving.

Geologists are needed to investigate the active landslides in order to determine if the people need to be evacuated immediately and what level of threat the active landslide poses to the area.

The NBRO has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale administrative districts in the central highlands.

Landslides and slope failures have been reported in Hindagoda, Etampitiya, and Thaldena, in the Badulla District.

In addition, unstable slopes have been identified by the scientists of NBRO in Hava Eliya and Mahawewa in Nuwara Eliya District, Punchi Raththota, Maussagolla in Matale District and Ritikumbura in the Badulla District.

NBRO in coordination with the Divisional Secretaries of the affected areas is taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of the people living in those areas.

Several other active landslides areas are being reported to the NBRO throughout the day.

Most of the people living in these vulnerable areas have to leave their home to safer area and their evacuation will be even more important if the rains continue during the day or night.