One dead, more than 1,600 affected as heavy rains trigger landslide and flood warnings
COLOMBO – One person has died and 1,616 people from 458 families have been affected by persistent heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka, with landslides, flooding and strong winds reported in several areas.
The Disaster Management Centre said 88 houses had been partially damaged, while 94 people had been relocated to temporary shelters.
The Department of Meteorology said a low-pressure area over the Andaman Sea, northeast of Sri Lanka, is expected to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours. Although the system is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, associated wind patterns are expected to maintain rainy conditions, particularly in the southwestern regions.
Showers or thundershowers are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North Western Provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, with rainfall of around 100 mm possible in some areas. Rain is also expected in the North Central Province and Mannar, while thundershowers are possible in parts of Uva, Batticaloa and Ampara.
Strong winds of 40–50 kmph are forecast over the western slopes of the Central Hills, North Central and North Western provinces, and in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale.
Landslide warnings
Red-level landslide warnings have been issued for Neluwa in Galle; Walallavita in Kalutara; Pasbage Korale in Kandy; Dehiowita, Aranayake, Deraniyagala, Mawanella and Yatiyantota in Kegalle; several divisions in Nuwara Eliya; and Ratnapura. Amber-level warnings are in effect for several other districts.
Authorities have also warned of rising river levels and flooding in low-lying areas. The Kalu and Gin rivers have risen rapidly, while several other major rivers are at elevated or flood-risk levels.
Fishermen urged to move to safety
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has instructed multi-day fishing boats operating near the Andaman Islands to immediately leave the area and move towards the coast or other safe waters due to strengthening winds and rough seas.
Director General Susantha Kahawatte said some boats remained in the affected area despite earlier warnings, posing risks to crews as sea conditions deteriorate.
Fishermen have been urged to closely follow weather and fisheries advisories, assess sea conditions before going out and to wear life jackets at all times.
Meanwhile, the Navy has placed 171 disaster-relief teams on standby, with 14 teams already deployed in parts of the Southern and Western Provinces to assist communities affected by the adverse weather.
Sea areas from Kankesanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota may experience winds of up to 50–60 kmph and rough seas, with wave heights reaching about 2–2.5 metres in some areas.
-ENCL
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