Severe weather conditions sweeping across Sri Lanka have impacted more than 100,000 individuals, with reports indicating that a total of 134,484 people from 34,492 families have been affected. This alarming situation has unfolded in 12 districts and 69 divisional secretariats, according to the latest information from the Disaster Management Center (DMC).
The adverse weather has resulted in tragic consequences, with three lives lost and two individuals injured. The DMC reports that 240 houses have suffered partial damage, while one house has been completely destroyed. In response to the crisis, 6,963 people from 1,753 families are currently residing in 81 temporary shelters established to provide relief for those displaced by the disaster.
The Gampaha district has been particularly hard-hit, with 82,839 individuals from 20,553 families affected due to prolonged rainfall over several days. The situation in the Colombo district is also concerning, with 40,231 people from 10,914 families facing difficulties as a result of the inclement weather.
In light of the ongoing heavy rainfall, the Irrigation Department has issued warnings about the potential for flooding in five areas along the Kalu, Kelani, Ging, and Attanagalu Oya rivers. Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has alerted authorities to the risk of landslides in six districts: Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, and Ratnapura.
The DMC continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with local authorities and relief organizations to provide necessary assistance to affected communities. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety, as weather forecasts indicate that conditions may persist.
Authorities are also urging individuals to stay informed through official channels regarding updates on weather conditions and emergency response efforts. Community support and cooperation are essential as the country navigates through this challenging period, with efforts underway to restore normalcy and provide relief to those in need.