Sri Lanka warns of new landslides as death toll reaches 607

Authorities in Sri Lanka have issued fresh warnings of landslides in the central hill regions hardest hit by recent heavy rains, as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah climbed to 607. The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), responsible for monitoring slope stability, warned that continued rainfall could further destabilize the hills.

"With over 150 millimetres of rain recorded in the past 24 hours, residents should move to safe locations if the rain persists to avoid landslide risks," the NBRO stated.

The latest downpours coincide with the arrival of the monsoon season, though flooding from last week has begun to ease. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed 607 fatalities, including many who were previously unaccounted for and are now presumed dead due to the mudslides. The number of missing persons has been revised to 214, while more than two million people are reported affected.

Refugee camp populations have decreased, with 150,000 people currently housed in state-run shelters, down from a peak of 225,000 as floodwaters around Colombo receded. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the floods and landslides as the most severe natural disaster in Sri Lankas history.

Addressing parliament, Dissanayake announced that he requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) postpone the sixth installment of a $2.9 billion bailout, aiming to negotiate a larger disbursement. "The IMF board was scheduled to release $347 million on December 15, but we have asked for a delay to allow for negotiations," he said, emphasizing the country's altered economic situation following the disaster.

New landslide alerts now cover areas previously not considered high risk. Evacuated residents of the central hills have been advised not to return immediately, even if their homes appear undamaged. In Gampola, locals have been working to remove mud and repair water damage. "Volunteers are coming from other regions to assist in cleanup," said Muslim cleric Faleeldeen Qadiri at the Gate Jumma Mosque. A volunteer, Rinas, added, "Cleaning one house takes ten men a full day; help is essential."

The military has deployed thousands of troops to aid in flood recovery operations. Commissioner-General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi estimated reconstruction costs between $6 billion and $7 billion. The government has introduced measures to provide compensation to victims for rebuilding homes and livelihoods. While roads, bridges, homes, and industries have suffered extensive damage, tourism officials report hotels are reopening, and nearly 300 stranded tourists have been evacuated by helicopter. "Tourism revenue is critical for reconstruction," said Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe.

Author: Gavin Porter