NBRO warns of heightened landslide risk after Cyclone Ditwah as heavy rains continue

By The Pulseline News Desk

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has warned that the threat of landslides and rockfalls has significantly increased in areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with continuous rainfall leaving the ground dangerously saturated and unstable.

NBRO Senior Scientist Dr. Wasantha Senadeera has noted that even light rainfall could now trigger slope failures in vulnerable locations, urging residents and motorists to remain on high alert over the coming days.

The warning comes as weather forecasts predict intensified rainfall on August 7 and 8, raising fears of fresh landslides, rockfalls and soil erosion in already weakened terrain.

“The soil has absorbed large volumes of water due to the prevailing rainy conditions. Under these circumstances, even moderate rainfall can trigger landslides and rockfalls,” Dr. Senadeera cautioned.

He urged motorists travelling through hilly areas to exercise extreme caution, particularly on roads passing beneath unstable slopes where falling rocks pose a serious danger.

Residents living in landslide-prone areas, especially near canals and waterways, have also been advised to watch for early warning signs such as newly emerging water springs, cracks in the ground, tilting trees or leaning electricity poles. If such signs appear, they should evacuate immediately and inform local authorities.

The warning follows a series of weather-related incidents reported across the country in recent days. According to the NBRO, 21 incidents have been recorded so far, with Kegalle District accounting for 15 cases and Nuwara Eliya District reporting four. The adverse weather has also claimed five lives in landslides.

The continuing instability highlights the lingering impact of Cyclone Ditwah, with saturated hillsides remaining vulnerable long after the heaviest rains have passed.

To strengthen early warning efforts, the NBRO is continuously monitoring rainfall through a network of nearly 330 automated rain gauges, alongside data from the Department of Meteorology and the Irrigation Department. The organisation says warnings will be issued promptly if rainfall reaches critical levels capable of triggering landslides.

With more rain forecast in the coming days, authorities are urging the public not to ignore official advisories, stressing that timely evacuation remains the most effective way to prevent further loss of life.