by Our Correspondent in Colombo
Updated Story 2: The Disaster Management Center (DMC) reports that the death toll from the severe weather gripping the country has risen to 47, with 37 of those fatalities recorded in the past two days and 21 people still missing. Nationwide, 5,893 individuals from 1,729 families have been affected. In Badulla, District Secretary Prabhat Abeywardena confirmed 23 deaths caused by landslides, with five residents unaccounted for, while nearly 20 people have been reported missing following a landslide in Gangoda, Kandy, where several families had taken shelter in a single home later struck by debris; three bodies have been recovered so far. The Nuwara Eliya District has also recorded six deaths, with District Secretary Thushari Tennakoon noting that all 10 Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been impacted by the continuing extreme weather.
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Updated Story: The Disaster Management Centre has reported that the number of deaths caused by adverse weather conditions across the country in the past few hours has risen to 39. In addition, ten people have sustained injuries while fourteen individuals remain missing. Over four thousand people residing in seventy-nine divisional secretariat areas across seventeen districts have been affected due to heavy rains, flooding, and gusty winds. Three houses have been completely destroyed and 381 residences have sustained varying degrees of damage. Authorities have established five safety shelters, which are currently accommodating forty-one affected families.
The National Building Research Organisation has issued a Level-3 red landslide evacuation warning for multiple areas in seven districts. This warning, which advises residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate, will remain in effect until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, the 28th. In Badulla district, the affected areas include Badulla, Hali Ela, Kandeketiya, Passara, Meegahakivula, Uva Paranagama, Welimada, and surrounding regions. In Kandy district, warnings cover Pathahewaheta, Udapalatha, Gangawata Korale, Medadumbara, Deltota, Doluwa, Akurana, Ududumbara, Minipe, Ganga Ihala Korale, and nearby areas. In Kegalle district, Rambukkana, Aranayaka, Mawanella, and surrounding areas are under warning. Kurunegala district’s Rideegama, Mallawapitiya, Mawathagama, and adjacent areas have been included, while in Matale district, the warning applies to Yatawatta, Ukuwela, Rattota, Naula, Wilgamuwa, Ambanganga Korale, Pallepola, Laggala Pallegama, Matale, and surrounding areas. In Monaragala district, Bibila and Medagama divisions and nearby areas are affected, and in Nuwara Eliya district, Kotmale West, Kotmale East, Nuwara Eliya, Walapane, Mathurata, Hanguranketha, Nildandahinna, and surrounding regions have been advised to evacuate.
The Department of Meteorology has forecast very heavy rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters in some areas of the North-central and North-western provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee district, today. Heavy showers above 150 millimeters are expected in parts of the North, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, and Western provinces, along with the Galle, Matara, and Batticaloa districts. Other areas of the island may experience rainfall above 100 millimeters. Very strong winds reaching 60 to 70 kilometers per hour are also predicted at times across most parts of the country.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution and take all necessary precautions to minimize damage caused by the ongoing heavy showers, flooding, and strong winds. Residents in high-risk areas are advised to follow evacuation orders promptly and stay updated on weather developments until the severe conditions subside.
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At least nine people have died following a series of landslides triggered by intense rainfall in Sri Lanka’s Badulla District, officials confirmed on Sunday. Badulla District Secretary Panduka Abeywardena said six major landslides were reported across several locations, prompting extensive search-and-rescue operations. Relief teams continue to comb through affected terrain as authorities work to locate missing individuals.
Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation has issued a major flood warning for communities living in low-lying areas along the Deduru Oya Basin, one of the regions currently experiencing significant hydrological stress. According to officials, heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours in the upper and middle catchment areas has pushed the Deduru Oya Reservoir to release water through its spill gates at a rate of 33,000 cubic feet per second, sharply increasing downstream flood risk.
Gauge readings show the Divisional Secretariat areas of Wariyapola, Nikaweratiya, Mahawewa, Kobeigane, Bingiriya, Pallama, Halawatha, Arachchikattuwa, and Rasnayakapura are likely to be impacted. As a result, the earlier flood warning issued at 6:30 a.m. on November 23, 2025, has now been extended for an additional 48 hours. Residents in these zones—and motorists travelling through them—are urged to remain on high alert and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Sri Lanka is bracing for more severe weather nationwide. Meteorologists warn that very heavy rainfall exceeding 200mm is likely in the North-central and North-western Provinces, as well as parts of Trincomalee. Rainfall above 150mm is expected in the Northern, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, and Western Provinces, along with Galle, Matara, and Batticaloa districts. Other areas across the island may also see rainfall topping 100mm.
In addition to extreme precipitation, strong winds of 60–70 km/h are forecast across most parts of the country, posing further threats to homes, transport, and infrastructure.
The Disaster Management Centre and relevant regional authorities have been instructed to take all necessary precautions, including early evacuations where needed. Officials also urged the public to secure property, avoid flooded roads, and remain vigilant for possible landslides, falling trees, and sudden surges in water levels.
As rescue workers in Badulla persist through challenging terrain and worsening weather, the nation faces a tense and uncertain period—one defined by both ongoing natural hazards and the urgent need for coordinated disaster response.
