LANDSLIDE LOOMS ON BADULLA-MAHIYANGANA RD

The mountain range above the second curve at Dunhinda on the Badulla – Mahiyangana road has developed cracks and small slabs of dislodged earth have commenced sliding down the slope signalling the possibility of an impending landslide. The Executive Engineer of the Road Development Authority in Badulla M.i.a.sajeer said the removal of earth and rocks partially obstructing the roadway at the base of the hill side has been temporarily suspended due to the threat of a landslide which would prove to be hazardous to traffic and workmen deployed for clearing activities.

He said that any attempt to remove the mounds of earth at the base would worsen the situation and the wet earth in the upper region of the hill could start sliding down. He said steps were taken to operate a single lane for traffic on the stretch of road until the situation returns to normal.

“During the heavy rain experienced in the area several locations of the road had been obstructed with mounds of earth and rock. We have focused special attention on the cracks in the hill. If the mounds of earth lying at the bottom of hills are removed, the layer of earth supporting the rocks would get loosened and would slide down with rocks. Steps would be taken to remove the mounds of earth when the situation returned to normal” He said.

He further said that he had informed the Badulla Disaster Management Centre regarding the impending danger