Emergency units landslide - prone areas

Mohammed Naalir

KANDY: On the directive of Housing and Construction Minister Ferial Ashraff, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has set up Emergency Service Units in landslide prone areas in the Hill Country.

Minister Ashraff instructed NBRO officers to identify the earthslip-prone areas and to conduct awareness campaigns for the residents.

Due to the prevailing rainy weather nine shops on the Haputale, Bandarawela main road have been completely damaged and 10 shops are about to collapse, according to NBRO officers.

Frequent landslides are also reported from Dostarawatta area in Kuruwita Minipitiya.

The NBRO pointed out that earthslip threats prevail in the slopes of Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Hambantota districts if the rainfall exceeds 70 millimetres.

There is a possibility of landslides in Kegalle, Kalutara and Avissawella areas due to the prevailing rainy weather.

The Housing and Construction Ministry and NBRO have instructed the residents of earthslip prone areas to take precautionary measures and to leave the places if possible.

Minister Ashraff has set up an emergency service unit in Jawatta, Colombo. Information and instructions about landslides could be obtained from this centre.