Extreme Weather in Sri Lanka: 10 Dead, 5 Missing Amidst Widespread Flooding and Landslides

Sri Lanka experienced severe weather conditions over the weekend, resulting in 10 confirmed deaths and 5 missing persons. The extreme weather has caused widespread flooding and landslides, significantly impacting the population across 23 districts.

State Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon confirmed the death toll and the number of missing persons on Monday morning. He emphasized that the missing individuals would not be considered deceased until their remains are found. The fatalities were reported in Matara (4 deaths), Ratnapura (5 deaths), and Seethawaka, Colombo (3 deaths).

The adverse weather conditions have affected a total of 87,379 people from 23,723 families. In response to the disaster, the government has allocated Rs. 122 million to District Secretaries to provide relief to those affected. Minister Tennakoon stated, "They will not be considered as deceased until their remains are found."

Why this matters: The extreme weather in Sri Lanka highlights the growing concern of climate change and its devastating impact on communities worldwide. The consequences of such disasters can lead to long-term displacement, economic instability, and loss of infrastructure, emphasizing the need for urgent climate action and disaster preparedness.

The extreme weather has caused significant disruption, with many homes, fields, and roads submerged under water. The government has mobilized the tri-forces and Police to assist in rescue operations and provide aid to those in distress. The relief efforts are focused on providing food, shelter, and medical assistance to the affected populations.

In addition to the fatalities and missing persons, the Disaster Management Centre reported that 36,504 individuals from 9,764 families have been severely affected by the adverse weather. Over 5,174 people have been relocated to safe shelters, and nearly 4,000 homes have suffered damage, with 28 completely destroyed as a result of the adverse weather.

The highest rainfall in the past 24 hours was recorded in the Pallewela area in the Ratnapura district, with 377 mm of rain. The Department of Meteorology has warned that many areas in the country may receive more than 150 mm of rain showers today, exacerbating the already dire situation.

The flood situation remains critical in several low-lying areas of the Nilwala River basin, with flooding expected to persist until the end of the day in regions such as Athuraliya, Malimbada, Kamburupitiya, Thihagoda, Devinuwara, and Matara Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

Efforts to restore normalcy are ongoing, with the government prioritizing the reconstruction of destroyed houses within the next two months using government funds. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to allocate funds with urgency to provide immediate assistance to those impacted by the adverse weather.

The extreme weather in Sri Lanka has led to significant loss of life and widespread devastation. With ongoing relief efforts and government support, the affected communities are working towards recovery and rebuilding their lives.

Key Takeaways

• 10 confirmed deaths, 5 missing persons in Sri Lanka due to severe weather.
• 87,379 people from 23,723 families affected across 23 districts.
• Rs. 122 million allocated for relief efforts, with focus on food, shelter, and medical aid.
• 36,504 individuals severely affected, 5,174 relocated to safe shelters, and 4,000 homes damaged.
• Government prioritizes reconstruction of destroyed houses within 2 months.