In response to heavy rains and the looming threat of landslides, authorities have ordered the immediate evacuation of 244 families residing in Badulla, Haldummulla, Koslanda, and Miriyabedda areas. The decision to evacuate was made based on recommendations from the National Building Research Institute. The evacuation particularly focuses on people living in the Miriyabedda area and nearby regions, which have been historically prone to landslides.
This precautionary measure comes in the wake of a tragic incident in 2014 when a severe landslide struck the Koslanda Miriyabedda area, resulting in the loss of 192 lives and displacement of about 100 families. The landslide covered approximately 10 acres along the A4 main road in Colombo, Batticaloa, burying rows of houses under the debris. The current evacuation aims to prevent a similar catastrophe by relocating residents to safe places away from the vulnerable zones.
