At least 56 people killed in Sri Lanka due to severe flooding

At least 56 people have lost their lives, and 21 are reported missing after severe flooding and landslides struck Sri Lanka following heavy rainfall this week. Authorities describe this as one of the most severe weather disasters in recent years.

The central tea-growing district of Badulla suffered heavily, with 21 people killed when a landslide destroyed several homes overnight, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The eastern coast of the island experienced additional rainfall on Friday as Cyclone Ditwah passed nearby. Social media footage shows homes being swept away as floodwaters inundate towns. Most train services across the country have been suspended due to unsafe conditions.

Originally a deep depression, Cyclone Ditwah strengthened into a full cyclone, increasing the risk of rising river levels. The DMC has urged residents in low-lying areas to seek higher ground. The Irrigation Department issued a red-level flood warning for regions along the Kelani River, including Colombo, for the next 48 hours.

During a parliamentary session, MP Ajith Perera highlighted an emergency situation involving a stranded bus near the Kala Wewa reservoir in central Sri Lanka. He requested government approval for helicopter rescue operations. Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed the bus had been halted by police for safety reasons, and military forces, including a helicopter, were deployed for the rescue.

In Anuradhapura, a military helicopter conducted three airlift missions on Friday morning, rescuing people trapped by the flooding. One man was airlifted after spending the night atop a coconut tree, the Sri Lankan Air Force reported.

The Meteorological Department expects more than 200mm (7.8 inches) of rainfall in parts of central and northern Sri Lanka on Friday. Key roads have been closed, and the Railway Department suspended nearly all train services starting from 06:00. The DMC estimates that roughly 44,000 people have been affected by the extreme weather, and around 20,500 army personnel are engaged in rescue and relief operations.

Exams for students sitting the Advanced Level (A-level) exams have been postponed due to the floods. While Sri Lanka is currently in its monsoon season, such severe weather is uncommon.

Historically, the worst flooding this century occurred in June 2003, claiming 254 lives and displacing hundreds of thousands. The current floods coincide with widespread flooding across Southeast Asia, affecting millions in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Analysis: Sri Lanka Floods Highlight Growing Vulnerability

The recent flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka, which have claimed at least 56 lives and left 21 people missing, underscore the severity of extreme weather events in the region. Central districts like Badulla were hit hardest, with landslides destroying homes overnight, while the eastern coast faced additional rainfall from Cyclone Ditwah.

Authorities have mobilized extensively, with around 20,500 army personnel involved in rescue and relief operations. Helicopter missions rescued stranded individuals, including one man trapped overnight in a coconut tree. Key infrastructure has been disrupted, with major roads closed and train services suspended nationwide.

The Meteorological Department warns of continued heavy rainfall, potentially exceeding 200mm in parts of central and northern Sri Lanka. Flood warnings remain active along major rivers, including Colombo's Kelani River, emphasizing the ongoing risk to low-lying communities.

While floods are not unusual during Sri Lanka’s monsoon season, the scale of destruction in this event is among the worst in recent years, echoing the historic 2003 floods. The situation also reflects broader regional impacts, as Southeast Asia faces concurrent severe flooding.

Immediate relief efforts focus on evacuations and protecting vulnerable populations. However, the ongoing weather, combined with damaged infrastructure, indicates that recovery and safety challenges will continue in the coming days.

Sources:

• At least 56 dead as severe floods hit Sri Lanka