Watawala Records 661 mm of Rainfall in Four Days as Landslide Risk Increases

Approximately 661 mm of rainfall has been recorded in the Watawala area over the past four days, according to Senior Scientist Dr. Wasantha Senadheera of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).

Dr. Senadheera said that Watawala received 204 mm of rainfall on Sunday (August 3) alone, the highest amount recorded anywhere in the country for the day.

He further noted that the Ambagamuwa Divisional Secretariat Division received between 150 mm and 500 mm of rainfall over the past three days.

The NBRO official explained that the increasing frequency of intense rainfall within short periods is linked to the impacts of global climate change.

However, he stressed that the current weather conditions are not comparable to those experienced during Cyclone Dileep (Ditwah), when significantly higher rainfall was recorded.

With heavy rain continuing across the central highlands, authorities have warned of an increased risk of landslides and earth slips.

Residents living in landslide-prone areas have been urged to remain vigilant and closely follow official weather advisories issued by the relevant authorities.