A house in the Hatton Samanalagama housing scheme was severely damaged early this morning (19), after a landslide occurred due to heavy rainfall in the central hills' western slopes since last night.

Hatton Police confirmed the incident.

Residents stated that the landslide happened around 4:30 AM amidst torrential rain, causing cracks in the house walls and significant damage to the living room.

Police reported that the Hatton-Dickoya Urban Council has advised the affected residents to move to a safer location until the rain subsides.

Our correspondent added that the National Building Research Organisation has identified the Hatton Samanalagama housing scheme as a landslide-prone area, and some residents have already been allocated land in other parts of Hatton.