High-risk landslide areas to be identified

Irangika Range

WALAPANE: The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has commenced investigations to identify high risk landslides areas in Walapane and Hanguranketha areas yesterday.

This would further assess the possible threat areas in the country. Awareness programmes including preventive and precautionary methods would be implemented with the assistance of the Disaster Management Center through the divisional secretariats.

NBRO's Geologist Samantha Bogahapitiya told the Daily News that it has identified Rambuke, Mahawewa, Pussalapitiya, Ritiyala, Narampathana Okandhagala, Katayapathana, Elamulla and Thiruwanaella in Walapane and Hanguranketha as landslides prone areas.

Data will be collected intensively covering over 50 locations in Walapane and Hanguranketha. These areas will be categorised as highly, moderate and lower vulnerable landslide areas.

Most of these places have already damaged by landslides and the investigation expects to recognise more vulnerable areas. After the investigation, the NBRO with the Disaster Management Center (DMC) will educate residents of high-risk areas.

DMC Chairman N.D. Hettiarachchi said it has identified 10 districts as a landslide prone areas. Evaluations are being carried out to finalise the reports.

The current landslides have destroyed 158 houses while 950 houses have been partially damaged. The Government will grant assistance to rebuild the houses while providing alternative dwellings.