Monday Feb 23, 2026
Monday Feb 23, 2026
Monday, 23 February 2026 01:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued updated landslide evacuation notices with a Level 3 (Red) alert in effect until 8:30 a.m. today (23) following intense rainfall in several districts.
The highest alert level was triggered after rainfall in affected areas exceeded 150 millimetres within a 24-hour period. Authorities have urged residents in designated zones to evacuate immediately due to the heightened risk of landslides, slope failures, and rock falls.
Areas under Level 3 (Red) alert include the Kandy District (Yatinuwara, Doluwa, Ududumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale), Kegalle District (Yatiyanthota, Kegalle, Dehiowita, Aranayaka, Mawanella), Matale District (Rattota, Ambanganga Korale, Laggala Pallegama, Wilgamuwa, Ukuwela), and Ratnapura District (Ratnapura).
The NBRO said several other areas in the Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Monaragala, and Ratnapura Districts remain under Level 2 (Amber) or Level 1 (Yellow) warnings as heavy rainfall persists.
Residents in landslide-prone zones have been advised to pay close attention to warning signs such as cracks in walls or soil, leaning trees and utility poles, blocked drains, and sudden water flow changes. Particular caution has been urged in areas near steep slopes, valleys, and man-made cut slopes.
Authorities stressed that evacuation to safer locations is critical in Red alert areas and urged the public to follow instructions issued by local disaster management officials.
