Severe Floods in Sri Lanka Claim 56 Lives as Landslides Prompt School Closures

Colombo: Sri Lanka is grappling with severe weather conditions as floods and landslides wreak havoc across multiple districts, raising the tragic death toll to 56 with over 600 houses damaged, officials reported on Friday.

The calamity intensified on Thursday due to relentless heavy rainfall that led to floods and landslides in various regions, inundating homes, agricultural land, and crucial roadways, causing major disruptions.

Central Hill Country Severely Impacted

The mountainous regions, particularly Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, famous for their tea plantations, suffered the most damage.
Over 25 lives were lost in landslides in these areas, situated around 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of Colombo.

The national disaster management authority disclosed that 21 individuals are still unaccounted for, while 14 others have sustained injuries due to landslides and collapsing hills.

Other regions of Sri Lanka also reported fatalities from landslides as rainfall continued to intensify.

Closure of Government Offices and Schools Announced

As conditions deteriorated, the government declared the closure of all government offices and schools on Friday for public safety.

Officials noted that reservoirs and river levels have surged, resulting in several main road closures. Rising water has rendered routes impassable, obstructed by mud, rocks, and fallen trees.

Transport Services Disrupted

Passenger train services were suspended in many regions where tracks were flooded, mudslides, and debris rendered travel hazardous. Routes linking various towns were also shut down due to flooding and landslides.

Local news broadcasts showcased dramatic rescue efforts by Sri Lanka’s armed forces. An air force helicopter was notably seen rescuing three individuals from a rooftop surrounded by rising waters.

Footage also captured a vehicle swept away by strong currents near the eastern town of Ampara, tragically resulting in three fatalities.

Sri Lanka Confronts Extreme Weather Events

The ongoing floods and landslides in Sri Lanka have heightened alarm about the nation’s susceptibility to climate-induced disasters. Meteorologists caution that additional heavy rainfall is anticipated in the coming days, advising residents in vulnerable areas to stay vigilant.