Torrential Rains Cause Floods and Landslides in Sri Lanka, 47 Dead

Severe flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka have led to the deaths of at least 47 people and injuries to a further 10. The catastrophic weather events were triggered by heavy rainfall that began last week and intensified over the weekend, affecting towns and cities throughout the island nation. Footage shared by local residents illustrates the devastating impact, with floodwaters engulfing entire communities and leaving vehicles submerged.

In the eastern town of Ampara, approximately 256 miles east of Colombo, a car was swept away by the rising waters, resulting in the deaths of three passengers. Additional videos depict torrents of water surging from what appears to be an overflowing dam. The disastrous conditions have forced authorities to close several key roads, hampering rescue efforts as rivers and reservoirs overflowed.

Extent of Damage and Ongoing Risks

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has reported that more than 425 homes have been damaged due to mudslides, with nearly 1,800 families relocated to temporary shelters. The bulk of fatalities occurred in the central tea-growing district of Badulla, where 21 individuals were buried alive when landslides struck their homes. Another four fatalities were reported in the nearby Nuwara Eliya district.

Train services in affected mountainous regions have been suspended as debris, including rocks, mud, and uprooted trees, obstructed the tracks. Local media coverage has shown dramatic rescues, including an air force helicopter saving three individuals stranded on a rooftop, while navy and police personnel deployed boats to assist residents trapped by the floods.

As of now, the DMC has warned that river levels continue to rise, advising residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to higher ground. This week’s weather-related casualties represent the highest toll since June last year, when 26 people died due to similar conditions.

Government Response and Historical Context

Sri Lanka is currently enduring its northeast monsoon season, but the rainfall has intensified due to a weather depression located east of the island. In response to the severe weather, the government has suspended final-year school examinations nationwide for two days. Additionally, the parliament halted budget discussions to enable legislators to return to their constituencies and address the aftermath of the flooding.

Historically, Sri Lanka has dealt with significant flooding, including a particularly devastating event in June 2003, which resulted in 254 deaths. While seasonal monsoon rains are crucial for the country’s agriculture and hydroelectric power generation, experts have raised concerns about the increasing frequency and severity of flooding in recent years.

The DMC continues to monitor the situation closely as the ongoing rains pose a risk of further landslides and additional fatalities.