Kandy, Sri Lanka — Floods and mudslides continue to devastate Sri Lanka, claiming at least 159 lives and leaving over 200 individuals unaccounted for amid one of the country’s most severe weather tragedies in recent years. With more than 20,000 homes destroyed, approximately 108,000 people have sought refuge in state-run temporary shelters, according to the Disaster Management Centre.
The disaster has left significant portions of the nation without electricity and running water, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency after Cyclone Ditwah swept through the region. Many areas are facing increasing evacuation orders as the Kelani River’s water levels surge alarmingly.
The hardest-hit regions include Kandy and Badulla, where survivors express deep concern for their safety and well-being. Saman Kumara, a resident of the Badulla village of Maspanna, shared the dire circumstances faced by his community. “We have lost two members of our village, while others are taking refuge in a temple. The roads are blocked by landslides, making it impossible for anyone to enter or leave,” he said. Kumara also reported a critical shortage of food and potable water in the village.
Among the victims are 11 occupants of an elderly care facility in Kurunegala, which was submerged during the influx of water on Saturday. In Anuradhapura, responders rescued 69 passengers trapped on a bus that had filled with flood water. WM Shantha, one of the rescued individuals, recounted the harrowing experience. “We were fortunate to make it onto the roof of a nearby building with help from the navy. It was terrifying when part of it collapsed, sending three women into the water, but they were quickly retrieved,” he explained.
As the nation grapples with this humanitarian crisis, the government has issued an urgent appeal for international aid while encouraging expatriates to contribute financially to support affected communities. Though Cyclone Ditwah has since moved away from the island’s shores, the extensive rainfall aligns with the ongoing monsoon season.
Historically, Sri Lanka has rarely experienced such severe weather events during this time. The most devastating flooding in recent memory occurred in June 2003, when the death toll reached 254 and hundreds of thousands were displaced. This year’s flooding disaster coincides with widespread severe weather across Southeast Asia, with millions affected in neighboring Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand as they face similar calamities.
As recovery efforts continue, the plight of those impacted by the deluge remains a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of climate change and the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness.