COLOMBO, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Landslide warnings remain in effect across parts of Sri Lanka despite variations in rainfall intensity, as prolonged wet weather has left rocks and soil layers vulnerable to collapse, a senior geologist said Thursday.
Wasantha Senadheera, senior geologist at the National Building Research Institute, said rainfall accumulated over several days could trigger landslides even when an affected area receives only light rain.
Speaking at a media briefing, Senadheera said more than 30,000 locations nationwide had been identified as facing high landslide risks under the prevailing weather conditions.
Level 2 alerts were updated Wednesday for eight areas across three districts, including Udapalatha, Medadumbara and Kundasale in Kandy District, Ambagamuwa and Norwood in Nuwara Eliya District, and Ratnapura, Elapatha and Kuruwita in Ratnapura District.
Senadheera said the impact of Cyclone Ditwah last year had contributed to early signs of slope instability in numerous areas, where rocks and soil deposits remained temporarily lodged but could be dislodged by further rainfall.
Sri Lankan authorities have issued 25 updates to landslide early warnings since Oct. 3, reflecting changing weather conditions and the continuing threat to vulnerable communities. ■