A landslide triggered by three days of heavy rainfall collapsed an earth embankment behind Watawala Railway Station, injuring one employee and prompting a search operation for a missing person swept away by floodwaters.
Heavy rainfall in the western slopes of Sri Lanka's central hills has caused significant damage to infrastructure and prompted rescue operations across the affected region. A collapse of the earth embankment situated behind Watawala Railway Station occurred around 2:00 p.m. on March 3rd, resulting in severe structural damage to the station itself. According to Watawala Police, a railway employee working at the station at the time of the incident sustained minor injuries.
The rainfall has triggered multiple geological hazards across the area. Norwood Executive Engineer A.M. Sadiq reported that five major earth slips have been recorded at different locations along the main road connecting Hatton and Ginigathhena. Beyond the railway station damage, authorities are responding to an additional emergency following the overflow of the Hatton Oya river. Police launched a search and rescue operation for a Watawala resident who was swept away by strong currents generated by the swollen waterway.
The incidents reflect the challenging weather conditions experienced over a three-day period in the region. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of damage and maintain monitoring operations as rescue and recovery efforts proceed in areas impacted by the adverse weather.
