Human activities major cause for landslides

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has identified 500 places that are vulnerable to landslides in Kandy, Matale, Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts.

The NBRO has initiated a series of investigations and 150 researchers have already been completed, said NBRO Earthslip Studies and Services Unit Chief R M M Bandara. The studies have revealed that human activities such as excavating earth and banks cause landslides rather than natural disasters.

Kuda Raththota in Matale, Moneragala, Thalatuoya, Kothmale, Mahawewa and Badulusirigama are more prone to earthslips. Areas close to Gothami, Dharmaraja, Hillwood, Pushpadana and Vidyartha Colleges in Kandy are also vulnerable to earthslips. The NBRO has started awareness programs for the community on the dangers of earthslips.