Landslide Risks and Community Resettlement Efforts: A-PAD’s Visit to Pettigala and Yakdehikanda

A-PAD Sri Lanka’s recent visit to Pettigala and Yakdehikanda revealed many challenges faced by communities residing in landslide-prone areas.

During the assessment of houses affected by recent weather events, they found six houses in Pettigala had significant structural damage, and one other was severely affected by extensive cracks in walls, floors, and foundations. Authorities highlighted that landslides happen gradually with only small cracks appearing in initial stages and deepening over months. However, the residents had been neglecting the warning signs for two years and the present situation poses serious risk to the inhabitants.

Local authorities have installed digital and manual rain gauges to monitor rainfall and provide evacuation alerts based on gauge readings. Earth cracks in the surrounding mountainous area were also noted and they are attributed to the mountain’s slight slope and some cracks are few feet in depth. This highlights the ongoing landslide threat, emphasizing the need for immediate disaster management and mitigation measures.

The Visit to the Relocation Project Site

During their visit, the A-PAD team also inspected a relocation project managed by NDRSC to move families from high-risk zones. At present, NDRSC manages 34 houses and due to funding constraints, new enrollments have been halted.

Houses must also meet NBRO standards for design and land, and funding is released in stages. However, the overall process is complex and time-consuming, and due to delays and rising production costs, the allocated funds have become insufficient for completion. While the residents were given temporary shelter close to the construction site, the many years of delays had led to the deterioration of these huts, prompting residents to remain in high-risk areas, using huts only during rainy seasons.