Sri Lanka is bracing for a high-impact weather event tomorrow night, as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is forecast to make landfall, bringing torrential rain, landslides, and possible emergency evacuations, warned National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Director General Eng. (Dr.) Asiri Karunawardena.
He said the Department of Meteorology has indicated that the system, currently located southeast of the island, is expected to move westward across the southwestern Bay of Bengal, turn northwest, and cross Sri Lanka between Hambantota and Kalmunai between 5.30 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. tomorrow (January 9). The situation is expected to significantly increase the risk of heavy rainfall and landslides, particularly in the Central Highlands.
With intense rainfall forecast, urgent landslide warnings have been issued for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions on the eastern slopes of the Central Highlands. Authorities have strongly advised residents in landslide-prone areas—including locations showing early signs of soil movement, slopes, valleys, and man-made embankments—to evacuate to safer locations before the afternoon of January 9.
In the Kandy District, areas identified as high risk include Minipe, Medadumbara, Panwila, Doluwa, Delthota, and Ududumbara. In the Badulla District, warnings have been issued for Kandaketiya, Passara, Badulla, Lunugala, Haputale, Ella, Bandarawela, Hali Ela, Welimada, Meegahakivula, and Uva Paranagama. In the Matale District, residents in Wilgamuwa, Ambanganga Korale, Ratthota, Naula, Ukuwela, and Laggala Pallegama have been urged to remain on high alert.
In the Nuwara Eliya District, the affected areas include Walapane, Nildandahinna, Mathurata, Hanguranketha, and Nuwara Eliya. Authorities emphasized that in the event of landslides, residents must remain in safe locations until NBRO officials conduct inspections and issue further instructions.
The NBRO said it will continue to provide updates based on evolving weather conditions and rainfall patterns. Meanwhile, the Tri Forces have been placed on standby to assist with rescue, relief, and restoration operations related to floods, landslides, and adverse weather conditions.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel in high-risk areas, and seek assistance through emergency hotlines such as 117 if required.
