Early warnings of a landslide
Changes occur in your landscape such as patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes (especially the places where runoff water converges), land movements, small slides, flows, or progressively leaning trees. Doors or windows stick or jam for the first time. New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations. Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building. zone, identify safe areas to run in case of a disaster and plan safe passage for evacuation. The last stage of the project involves the setting up of a monitoring committee consisting of active participants chosen from the community.
Ms. Rajapakse said the communities were also taught how to use extensometers which monitor earth movements. She said the NBRO had Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways. Underground utility lines break. Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope. Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations. Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move. A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears. plans to set up automated extensometers in risk areas where cracks had been sighted. If any major movement of the earth is detected, relevant people are notified through a text message.
According to NBRO studies, 20 percent of Sri Lanka's land or 13,000 square km in 13 districts is landslide prone, with the Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Kandy, Kegalle, The ground slopes downward in one direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet. Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flow can be seen when driving (embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides). Ratnapura and Kalutara districts being the top seven districts on the danger list. Areas with isolated mountains and earth mounds in the Monaragala, Kurunegala, Gampaha, Galle, Matara and Hambanthota districs have also been identified as danger zones. The NBRO said it wanted to implement the CBLEW project in all the areas identified as danger zones.
A programme was launched recently to develop the Maligawatte canal, aimed at improving the area around a kidney hospital in the area, following the heavy rains. Megapolis and Western Development Minister Champika Ranawaka had allocated funds for the project carried out on the initiative of the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation Mr. Asela Iddawela, who is also the project director of the Presidential Task Force for the prevention of kidney diseases.
The pro gramme was launched on the request of the organisation for protection of kidney patients. Picture shows Mr. Iddawela launching the programme.