Continuous rain for two days has left Sri Lanka devastated. In several places, water is knee-deep, and in others, it has risen to waist level. Landslides have added to the crisis. In total, 56 deaths have been reported so far, with ten people seriously injured and 21 missing. AFP reported, citing the country’s disaster management department. Rescue operations are underway, and multiple relief camps have been set up across the island.
According to the disaster management department, landslides struck the hilly region of Badulla late Thursday night, where massive boulders rolled down and crushed homes, killing 21 people. Four more deaths were reported in the Nuwara Eliya district after residents were buried under soil.
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Rain began on Tuesday and has not stopped since. Water levels in several rivers continue to rise, flooding multiple districts. Viral videos circulating on social media Friday morning show houses being swept away by strong currents. As per official estimates, more than 425 houses have been damaged, and around 1,800 people have been evacuated to safer areas.
Transport systems have been heavily disrupted. A red alert has been issued for low-lying areas around the Kelani River for the next 48 hours. The government has also released warnings for Colombo.
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Several trains have been cancelled, A-level examinations have been postponed, and national highways remain shut due to landslides.
This time of the year typically brings northeast monsoon winds to Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Cyclone "Ditwah" is moving along the island’s eastern coast. Because of this combined weather system, there are no signs of rainfall easing. Cyclone "Ditwah", which began as a deep depression, has now intensified. Meteorologists warn that after crossing Sri Lanka’s coast, the system may head toward Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
