Severe flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains have led to widespread destruction in Sri Lanka this week, leaving at least 56 people dead and 21 missing.
According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), one of the worst-hit areas is Badulla district, known for its tea plantations, where a nighttime landslide claimed 21 lives. Videos circulating on social media show floodwaters sweeping away homes, forcing authorities to set up temporary shelters for displaced families.
Sri Lanka is now preparing for potentially worsening weather conditions, as Cyclone “Ditwah” advances toward its eastern coast. Initially formed as a deep depression near the coastline, the system intensified rapidly into a cyclone and is expected to make landfall along the Indian coast.
DMC reports indicate that thousands have been displaced due to the flooding. The latest update shows that the extreme weather event has affected 17 districts, impacting nearly 4,000 people from 1,158 families. The DMC also confirmed 10 injuries, three houses completely destroyed, and 381 houses partially damaged, while 131 people have been moved to temporary safe shelters.
Authorities have warned that continuous rainfall may trigger more floods and landslides in central and hilly areas, potentially blocking major roads. Heavy rains have already disrupted transport networks and forced the postponement of university examinations scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Emergency teams continue rescue and relief operations in high-risk zones, while the government has urged the public to remain alert to rising water levels and landslide threats.
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