Sri Lanka faces flood and landslide threats amid cyclone development

Sri Lanka is under significant weather alerts as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm. While a direct strike on the island is not currently projected, the system is expected to bring intense rainfall, exceeding 100 millimetres in several provinces, including the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western, Central, and Southern regions.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued updated landslide warnings. Level 2 (Amber) alerts, advising the public to remain alert, have been issued for parts of the Kalutara, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura districts. Level 1 (Yellow) warnings for vigilance have been extended to several areas in Galle, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Ratnapura.

Authorities are monitoring rising water levels in major river basins, specifically the Kelani River, Kalu Ganga, and Attanagalu Oya. Recent adverse weather between 18 September and 26 October has already resulted in 12 deaths, 25 injuries, and affected more than 10,000 people.