Crater not the result of a tremor

Shirley WIJESINGHE

COLOMBO: The crater on Galle Road opposite Roxy Cinema has not been caused by an earthquake or tremor, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) said.

It was a cave in due to a leakage in the water drainage line, the GSMB said. According to the GSMB observations the depth of the five-metres (diameter) cavity was 2.5 metres. It was formed at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

The GSMB said the leakage has occurred for a long period and the associated soil layers were subjected to soil erosion continuously due to the water flow.

The GSMB recommended a careful assessment with the participation of related organisations such as Sri Lanka Telecom, CMC and National Water Supply and Drainage Board to restore the drainage line.