The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) yesterday extended the landslide risk warnings issued for the Ratnapura, Kegalle, Galle, Matara, Kalutara, Hambantota and Nuwara Eliya districts for another 24 hours.
Officials warned the public to be alert regarding possible landslides, rock falls and cut slope failures if rain continues in the areas named. The agency also advised people to be vigilant of pre-landslide signs and evacuate immediately on noticing signs such as slanting trees, muddy water and cracks on the ground or walls.
Meanwhile the Department of Meteorology predicted possible showers in the Sabaragamuwa, Western, Central, Southern and North- Western provinces today as well. According to the Department fairly heavy showers can be expected over 50 mm particularly in the Western province.
Fairly strong winds are also to
be expected of about 50 Kmph in the Matale district, the Department said.
Showers have also been predicted in sea areas off the coast of Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. The death toll due to the adverse weather conditions and the ensuing disaster last week has risen to 224 while 78 people continue to be missing. A total of 698,229 people remain affected.