Landslides: 60 villages tagged 'high-risk'

Irangika Range

WALAPANE: Over 60 villages in Hanguranketha and Walapane have been identified and recommended by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) as high-risk landslide prone areas not suitable for habitation.

NBRO has recommended the removal/shifting of 724 houses in Hanguranketha and 204 houses in Walapane areas. The NBRO's Landslide Studies and Services Division Head R. M. S. Bandara told the Daily News that the report has already been submitted after individual investigations and mapping in each location of Walapane and Hanguranketha areas.

The report has been presented to the Divisional Secretaries in Hanguranketha and Walapane for appropriate action.

Fourteen more villages in Hanguranketha will be investigated further this week to identify whether they are suitable for the resettlement of residents. "We are conducting awareness programmes to educate people who live in landslide prone areas with the assistance of the Diaster Management and Human Rights Ministry," he said.