Landslide-hit areas may appear stable as rainfall eases, but the risk of renewed earth slips remains high, a leading geology expert said.
Former Peradeniya University senior geology professor Athula Senaratne said residents should not assume the danger has passed, noting that even minor rainfall could reactivate unstable slopes weakened by days of intense moisture.
Senaratne urged caution for those attempting to return to undamaged homes within affected zones.
He said some individuals were entering landslide sites without understanding the continuing underground instability, putting themselves at “significant risk.”
He stressed that no one should resettle until responsible agencies, including the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), conduct full inspections and issue clear clearance notices.
Senaratne also warned that unstable conditions persist even in dry weather.
The existing moisture content in the soil could cause large rocks to dislodge without warning, he said, posing additional hazards for residents and emergency personnel.
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