Torrential weather conditions across Sri Lanka have triggered exceptional rainfall figures in southwestern catchments and hill slopes, with multiple stations recording well over 100 mm of rain during a 24-hour period ending at 6PM on October 26, 2026, according to joint data released by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) and the Department of Meteorology.
Leading the nationwide rainfall tally, Samanalagama in the Dewalegama Grama Niladhari Division within Pelmadulla Divisional Secretariat of Ratnapura District recorded a peak total of 185.4 mm. Heavy downpours also drenched surrounding catchments across Ratnapura and Kalutara districts, including Gavaragiriya with 170.4 mm, Pahiyangala in Bulathsinhala with 170.2 mm, Opanayake with 164.4 mm, and Palabaddala with 163.8 mm.
In total, 16 individual monitoring locations across Ratnapura, Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya, and Kegalle districts surpassed the 100 mm rainfall threshold within 24 hours. High-volume measurements include Noragolla at 157.2 mm, Namunuthantenna in Ayagama at 152.6 mm, Palawela in Elapatha at 152.2 mm, Delmella in Bulathsinhala at 150.6 mm, Ratnapura town at 149.6 mm, Galaboda at 141.4 mm, Kiribathgala at 134 mm, Wewelvatta at 131 mm, Kukule at 127 mm, and Kalawana at 123.4 mm. Upcountry catchments in Nuwara Eliya and Kegalle also recorded heavy downpours, with Norton receiving 114 mm, Watawala recording 108 mm, and Galapitamada logging 104.2 mm.
Disaster management authorities warn that sustained precipitation of this volume on heavily saturated terrain significantly increases the immediate risk of localized flash flooding along main river valleys and sudden slope failures in landslide-prone mountain areas. Residents living in designated high-risk hazard zones across Ratnapura, Kalutara, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya districts are advised to remain alert and closely follow safety advisories issued by regional disaster response officers. (Newswire)