The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued critical Level III landslide early warnings for six districts across Sri Lanka, effective from 16:00 hours on December 2, 2025, to 16:00 hours on December 3, 2025. The affected districts include Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, and Nuwara-Eliya, prompting immediate safety measures for residents in high-risk areas.
Understanding Level III Landslide Warnings
Level III landslide warnings represent a significant threat level in Sri Lanka's early warning system. These warnings indicate that landslide conditions are highly probable within the specified timeframe, requiring immediate precautionary measures from local communities and authorities. The NBRO's landslide early warning centre continuously monitors geological and meteorological conditions to provide timely alerts that can save lives and property.
When Level III warnings are issued, residents in vulnerable areas must remain vigilant and prepared for potential evacuation. These warnings are based on comprehensive analysis of rainfall patterns, soil saturation levels, geological conditions, and historical landslide data specific to each region.
Districts Under High Alert
The six districts currently under Level III landslide warnings encompass some of Sri Lanka's most landslide-prone areas due to their topographical characteristics and geological composition.
Badulla District: Known for its mountainous terrain and steep slopes, Badulla frequently experiences landslide risks during heavy rainfall periods. The district's tea plantations and residential areas in hilly regions require constant monitoring during adverse weather conditions.
Kandy District: As a central highland district, Kandy's varied elevation and dense population centers make landslide warnings particularly critical. The district's urban areas nestled among hills face significant risks during unstable weather patterns.
Kegalle District: Historically prone to landslides, Kegalle has experienced several major incidents in recent years. The district's rubber and tea cultivation areas, combined with residential settlements on slopes, create high-risk scenarios during heavy rainfall.
Kurunegala District: With its mix of plains and elevated areas, certain regions within Kurunegala face landslide risks, particularly in areas where human settlements have developed on unstable slopes.
Matale District: The mountainous terrain of Matale, combined with intensive agricultural activities, creates conditions conducive to landslides during periods of excessive rainfall and soil saturation.
Nuwara-Eliya District: Famous for its tea estates and cool climate, Nuwara-Eliya's high elevation and steep terrain make it particularly susceptible to landslides, especially during monsoon seasons.
Safety Measures and Precautions
Residents in the affected districts must take immediate precautionary measures to ensure their safety during this warning period. Local authorities and Divisional Secretaries have been notified to coordinate emergency response plans and community awareness programs.
Essential safety measures include avoiding travel to hilly and mountainous areas unless absolutely necessary, staying away from steep slopes and unstable ground, and monitoring local weather conditions continuously. Families living in high-risk areas should prepare emergency kits containing essential supplies, important documents, and communication devices.
Community members should establish communication with local authorities and neighbors to ensure rapid information sharing about changing conditions. Parents should keep children away from slopes, embankments, and areas showing signs of ground movement or cracks.
Emergency Response and Coordination
The NBRO works closely with the Disaster Management Centre, local government authorities, and emergency services to ensure coordinated response efforts during landslide warning periods. Divisional Secretaries in the affected districts play crucial roles in disseminating warnings to grassroots communities and organizing evacuation procedures when necessary.
Emergency shelters and relief centers have been identified in each district to accommodate residents who may need to evacuate their homes. Local authorities maintain communication networks to provide real-time updates about changing conditions and safety instructions.
Monitoring and Updates
The NBRO's landslide early warning centre continues monitoring conditions throughout the warning period, with the possibility of extending or modifying alerts based on evolving weather patterns and ground conditions. Residents should stay tuned to official announcements through local media, government communications, and community leaders.
Regular updates will be provided as conditions change, and additional warnings may be issued if circumstances warrant extended precautionary measures. The public is encouraged to report any signs of ground movement, unusual water flow patterns, or structural damage to local authorities immediately.
This Level III landslide warning underscores the importance of community preparedness and the effectiveness of early warning systems in protecting lives and property. Residents in Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, and Nuwara-Eliya districts must remain vigilant and follow all safety guidelines until the warning period concludes on December 3, 2025.