The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued critical landslide early warnings for eleven districts across Sri Lanka, effective from 16:00 hours on November 30, 2025, to 16:00 hours on December 1, 2025. The affected districts include Badulla, Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Moneragala, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura, with Level III (RED) warnings indicating the highest risk category.
Understanding Landslide Warning Levels
The NBRO's Landslide Early Warning Center operates a three-tier warning system to alert communities about potential landslide risks. Level III (RED) warnings represent the most severe category, indicating imminent danger of landslides that could cause significant damage to life and property. These warnings are issued when weather conditions, soil saturation levels, and geological factors combine to create extremely hazardous situations.
The current red alert affects some of Sri Lanka's most populated and economically important regions, including the commercial capital Colombo and surrounding districts. This widespread coverage underscores the severity of the current meteorological conditions contributing to landslide risk across the island nation.
Districts Under High Alert
The eleven districts currently under landslide warnings span across multiple provinces, affecting millions of residents. Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts in the Western Province are particularly significant due to their high population density and urban development. The inclusion of these metropolitan areas in the warning highlights the serious nature of the current threat.
Central Province districts including Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya are also under red alert. These mountainous regions are naturally more susceptible to landslides due to their topography, steep slopes, and frequent rainfall patterns. The hill country's terrain makes it particularly vulnerable during periods of intense precipitation.
Sabaragamuwa Province districts of Kegalle and Ratnapura, along with Uva Province districts Badulla and Moneragala, complete the list of affected areas. Kurunegala in the North Western Province rounds out the comprehensive warning coverage across the island.
Safety Measures and Precautions
During Level III landslide warnings, residents in affected areas should take immediate precautionary measures. Authorities recommend avoiding travel through hilly or mountainous terrain unless absolutely necessary. Those living in landslide-prone areas should remain vigilant for warning signs such as unusual ground movement, cracks in walls or foundations, tilting trees or utility poles, and changes in water flow patterns.
Emergency preparedness becomes crucial during red alert periods. Families should have evacuation plans ready, including identification of safe locations and emergency contact information. Essential supplies such as food, water, medications, and important documents should be easily accessible for quick evacuation if necessary.
Local authorities and Divisional Secretaries in the affected districts are coordinating with the NBRO to monitor conditions continuously and provide updates to communities. Emergency response teams are on standby to assist with evacuations and rescue operations if landslides occur.
Weather Patterns and Risk Factors
The issuance of widespread red landslide warnings typically correlates with intense rainfall patterns affecting multiple regions simultaneously. Prolonged or heavy rainfall saturates soil conditions, increasing the likelihood of slope failures and landslides. The current warning period of 24 hours indicates that meteorological conditions are expected to remain dangerous throughout this timeframe.
Sri Lanka's monsoon patterns and topographical features make certain regions particularly susceptible to landslide risks. The combination of steep terrain, weathered rock formations, and seasonal rainfall creates conditions where landslides can occur with little warning. Climate change has also intensified rainfall patterns, making landslide prediction and early warning systems increasingly important.
Community Response and Preparedness
The effectiveness of landslide early warning systems depends heavily on community awareness and response. Residents in the eleven affected districts should stay informed through official channels and local authorities for updates and instructions. Social media and local news sources should be monitored for real-time information about changing conditions.
Educational institutions, businesses, and government offices in high-risk areas may need to adjust operations during the warning period. Transportation services might experience disruptions, particularly in mountainous regions where roads are more vulnerable to landslide damage.
The NBRO's proactive approach to landslide early warning represents a critical component of Sri Lanka's disaster risk reduction strategy. By providing advance notice of dangerous conditions, these warnings enable communities to take protective measures and potentially save lives and property.
As the warning period progresses, continued monitoring of weather conditions and ground stability will determine whether extensions or modifications to the current alerts are necessary. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official guidance throughout the warning period.