A powerful cyclone forming over Sri Lanka triggers deadly floods, landslides and mass evacuations as the island races against time to protect lives amid worsening extreme weather.
Cyclone Intensifies Near Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is on high alert as a deep depression over the southeast of the island has intensified and is rapidly strengthening into a severe cyclonic storm. According to the Department of Meteorology, the system is now centred 120 km southeast of Batticaloa at latitude 6.7°N and longitude 82.1°E. Officials warn that it is likely to develop into a full cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours while moving in a north-northwestward direction.
The announcement has triggered a nationwide warning for all fishing and marine activities. Both deep sea and shallow water operations have been advised to cease immediately. Authorities strongly urge the fishing and navigation community to monitor upcoming advisories and remain away from dangerous sea areas until further notice.
Heavy Rainfall and Violent Winds Expected
The intensifying system is generating extremely heavy rainfall around the entire island. Meteorologists warn that strong thundershowers are highly likely across coastal waters. Winds around the island will blow from the northeast to the north, accelerating to dangerous levels. Gusts could reach up to 80 kmph, creating life-threatening conditions at sea and on land.
Sea conditions are expected to be very rough throughout the day, especially from Puttalam to Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Kankesanthurai. Wave heights are projected to reach between 3 to 4 meters. Officials clarified that these measurements apply to offshore waves and should not be confused with surf height onshore. During thunderstorms, temporary violent winds could escalate conditions into extremely rough waters.
Two Colonies Flooded as Ragala Experiences Devastation
In the hill country, severe flooding has displaced nearly 100 families in the Ragala and Kadapola areas. According to the Nuwara Eliya District Disaster Management Unit, two entire colonies in the Ragala-Henegala region were submerged following hours of relentless rainfall. The displaced residents have been moved to safer locations as authorities continue to monitor the rising water levels.
National Parks Closed Due to Unsafe Conditions
The Department of Wildlife Conservation has announced the closure of several major national parks as the weather worsens. Zones 01 to 05 of Yala National Park have been shut to tourists, with only the Kalu Palam access road in Zone 06 remaining open. Several other protected areas, including Horton Plains, Wasgamuwa, Kumana, Wilpattu, Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, have been fully closed until further notice. Tourists with existing reservations at these parks will be allowed to reschedule their bookings for later dates.
Chilaw in Danger as Reservoir Overflow Sparks Fear
The Department of Irrigation has issued a critical warning that Chilaw city faces a high risk of submersion due to the overflow of the Deduru Oya reservoir. Authorities report that spillways are currently releasing 65,000 cubic feet of water per second, more than three times the river’s normal capacity. Based on current projections, Chilaw could be underwater within the next 24 to 48 hours. Residents have been urged to prepare for immediate evacuation if alerts are issued.
Death Toll Climbs as Landslides Ravage Hill Country
The Disaster Management Center reports that 40 people have died due to the extreme weather. Thirty-three deaths were reported during the past two days alone. Another 21 people remain missing, and at least 5,893 individuals from 1,729 families have been affected by floods, landslides and structural collapses across the island.
Badulla District Secretary Prabath Abeywardena confirmed that 23 deaths occurred due to devastating landslides in the district. Five more individuals are still missing. In Kandy, nearly 20 people were reported missing after a major landslide struck the Gangoda area. The Director General of the Disaster Management Center, retired Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda, explained that several families had been sheltering together in one home due to landslide fears when the house collapsed. Three bodies have been recovered so far.
In Nuwara Eliya, six deaths have been reported due to multiple landslides. District Secretary Thushari Tennakoon stated that all 10 Divisional Secretariat divisions in the region have been severely affected by the bad weather, leaving communities cut off and emergency teams struggling to reach certain locations.
Red Notices Issued Across Seven Districts
The National Building Research Institute has issued red notices advising immediate evacuation in several Divisional Secretariat divisions across seven districts. These notices will remain in effect for 24 hours. Officials warn that saturated soil, continuous rainfall and persistent instability make landslides highly likely.
Residents in high-risk zones are urged to leave immediately and relocate to safer areas, even if conditions appear stable. Authorities stress that landslides can be sudden and unpredictable, and households should not wait until visible signs appear.
Government and Emergency Response
Emergency rescue operations have been deployed across all affected regions. The tri-forces, disaster response teams, police and volunteers are coordinating relief efforts. Evacuation centers have been opened in multiple districts, offering shelter, basic needs and medical attention for affected families.
The government is monitoring the cyclone closely and is expected to issue further advisories as the system intensifies. Meteorologists warn that the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical, with additional rainfall, flooding and landslides expected.
Public Advisory
Officials continue to emphasize the importance of public cooperation during this period of extreme weather. Residents are urged to:
- Avoid coastal and hill country travel unless absolutely necessary
- Stay away from flood-prone or landslide-risk zones
- Keep emergency supplies such as food, water, torches and medication ready
- Follow updates from the Department of Meteorology and the Disaster Management Center
- Report emergencies immediately to the 117 hotline
Sri Lanka faces one of its most dangerous weather events in recent years, with a strengthening cyclone, catastrophic floods and deadly landslides placing thousands at risk. As authorities brace for worsening conditions, the focus remains on saving lives, reducing damage and ensuring that communities receive the support they desperately need.
