According to the latest update issued at 6:00 a.m. today, a total of 441,590 individuals from 132,110 families across 24 districts have been affected by the adverse weather in Sri Lanka.
The storm, which began earlier this week, has already claimed 13 lives, with one person still missing. Additionally, 20 individuals have been injured in the wake of the severe weather. The destruction has been extensive, with 102 homes completely destroyed and another 2,096 sustaining partial damage.
Ampara District Faces the Brunt of the Impact
Ampara District remains the hardest hit, with 149,491 individuals from 43,631 families severely impacted by the weather conditions. The DMC reports that 115,319 people from 45,329 families are currently sheltering with relatives, while 38,616 individuals from 12,348 families have been relocated to 347 designated safe locations across the affected areas.
The ongoing crisis has prompted the authorities to issue a series of urgent warnings and advisories. The Irrigation Department has extended flood warnings for several key rivers, including the Mahaweli Ganga, Heda Oya, Deduru Oya, and Mundeniyaru rivers, for an additional 48 hours. Residents in low-lying areas near these rivers are advised to take all necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property.
Landslide Warnings and Red Evacuation Notices
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for 70 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in nine districts, with particular emphasis on areas prone to heavy rainfall and steep terrain.
In addition, red evacuation notices have been issued for 25 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Kandy, Kegalle, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts, valid until 4:00 p.m. today. These areas include:
- Kandy District: Medadumbara, Udadumbara, Udunuwara, Doluwa, Pathahewaheta, Harispattuwa, Pathadumbara, Yatinuwara, Delthota, Gangawatakorale, Udapalatha
- Kegalle District: Aranayaka, Mawanella, Yatiyanthota
- Matale District: Ukuwela, Ambangangakoralaya, Naula, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta, Pallepola, Matale, Rattota, Laggala, Pallegama
- Nuwara Eliya District: Walapane
These regions are at significant risk of landslides and flooding due to continuous rainfall and unstable soil conditions.
Relief Operations Underway
In response to the ongoing crisis, a massive relief effort is underway. A total of 3,183 personnel from the armed forces and police have been deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations. To support these efforts, a wide range of resources has been mobilized, including 239 boats, 111 unicorn vehicles, 40 tractors, 64 trucks, six aircraft, and eight drones. These resources are being used to transport essential supplies, conduct search-and-rescue missions, and assess the extent of the damage.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Dr. Prasanna Kumara Gunasena, has assured the public that all possible measures are being taken to repair damaged roads and restore access to affected areas. However, the severity of the situation continues to challenge efforts on the ground.
Hope for a Break in the Weather
As the country continues to deal with the immediate effects of the storm, the Sri Lanka Meteorological Department has provided some hope. Forecasts indicate that heavy rainfall will decrease starting today, which may offer some relief to the already devastated areas. However, authorities have cautioned that the situation remains fluid, and residents are urged to remain vigilant as the weather continues to evolve.
