Sri Lanka Faces Devastation: Deadly Floods and Landslides Claim 31 Lives
Sri Lanka is grappling with the devastating aftermath of severe floods and landslides, which have claimed at least 31 lives and left 14 others missing this week. Triggered by intense monsoon rains, the disaster has caused widespread destruction, particularly in the island nation's central regions.
Central Highlands Bear the Brunt of Destruction
The worst-hit area is the central tea-growing district of Badulla, where 16 individuals were tragically buried alive when mountain slopes collapsed onto their homes overnight. The adjoining Nuwara Eliya district also reported four similar fatalities, adding to the grim toll. Authorities confirm that other deaths occurred across different parts of the country due to the relentless downpours.
Mass Displacement and Urgent Warnings
The scale of displacement is significant, with nearly 400 homes damaged by the mudslides, forcing over 1,100 families to relocate to temporary shelters. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has issued urgent warnings as river levels continue to rise nationwide, advising residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to safer, higher ground immediately.
Intensified Monsoon and Government Response
While Sri Lanka is currently experiencing its north-east monsoon season, the recent downpours have been exceptionally heavy, exacerbated by a depression located east of the island. In response to the worsening weather conditions, the government took the proactive step of suspending final-year school examinations across the country for two days, prioritizing public safety.
Heavy Rainfall Forecast and Climate Change Concerns
Weather forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall, with more than 100mm expected across much of Sri Lanka. Certain areas in the north-east are braced for even more extreme deluges, potentially receiving up to 250mm of rain. This week's death toll marks the highest recorded since June 2024, when 26 people perished following similar heavy rains. Last December also saw 17 fatalities due to flooding and landslides. Although Sri Lanka relies heavily on seasonal monsoon rains for essential irrigation and hydroelectric power, experts are increasingly warning that climate change is making such destructive flood events more frequent and severe, posing a growing challenge to the island's resilience.