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Floods and Landslides Devastate Sri Lanka, Leaving 56 Dead and 21 Missing
At least 56 people have died and 21 remain missing in Sri Lanka after torrential rains triggered catastrophic floods and landslides this week, marking one of the country's worst weather-related disasters in recent years. The crisis intensified as Cyclone Ditwah swept along the eastern coast on Friday, dumping additional rainfall across the island.
Landslide in Badulla Claims 21 Lives
The central tea-growing district of Badulla suffered the deadliest impact when a landslide buried homes overnight, killing 21 residents, according to a statement from Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Meanwhile, social media footage captured homes being swept away by surging floodwaters, while most train services nationwide were suspended.
Cyclone Ditwah, initially a deep depression, strengthened into a full-fledged cyclone, exacerbating the already dire conditions. The DMC warned that river levels continue to rise, urging residents in low-lying areas-including parts of the capital, Colombo-to evacuate to higher ground. A red-level flood alert was issued for the Kelani River valley over the next 48 hours.
Stranded Bus Prompts Emergency Helicopter Rescue
During a parliamentary session on Friday, MP Ajith Perera raised alarms about a bus stranded near the Kala Wewa reservoir complex in central Sri Lanka for over 90 minutes. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed the situation, stating that police had ordered the bus to halt due to hazardous conditions. Armed forces were deployed, and a rescue helicopter was authorized to evacuate passengers.
"They will be rescued."
Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Justice
In Anuradhapura, a military helicopter conducted three separate rescue missions on Friday morning, including airlifting a man who had spent the night sheltering in a coconut tree amid rising waters, the Sri Lankan Air Force reported.
Widespread Disruptions and Relief Efforts
Meteorological officials forecasted over 200mm (7.8 inches) of rain in central and northern regions on Friday. Key inter-provincial roads were closed, and the Railway Department canceled nearly all train services, except for essential routes, starting at 06:00 local time.
The DMC estimated that nearly 44,000 people have been affected by the extreme weather. Over 20,500 army personnel were mobilized for rescue and relief operations. The disaster also forced the postponement of Advanced Level Exams (A-levels), further disrupting daily life.
Rare Monsoon Extremes and Regional Flooding
While Sri Lanka is currently in its monsoon season, the severity of this week's weather is unusual. The deadliest flooding this century occurred in June 2003, when 254 people died and hundreds of thousands were displaced.
The crisis mirrors broader regional devastation, as Southeast Asia grapples with some of its worst flooding in years. Indonesia has reported 127 fatalities, while Thailand's death toll has risen to 145, with millions impacted across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
