COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) – Sri Lanka has taken significant measures in response to catastrophic flooding and landslides that have resulted in the unfortunate loss of 56 lives. This devastating weather event has also led to the destruction of over 600 homes across the nation, prompting the government to close all government offices and schools on Friday.
The severe weather conditions began last week, but escalated dramatically on Thursday as heavy rains led to widespread flooding, affecting homes, agricultural fields, and roadways. The regions hardest hit include the central mountainous areas of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of the capital, Colombo.
On Thursday alone, more than 25 individuals lost their lives due to landslides in these tea-growing regions, with an additional 21 people reported missing and 14 others injured, as per reports from the government’s disaster management center. The destruction was not confined to just these areas; multiple other landslide incidents across the country contributed to the rising death toll.
With conditions deteriorating, the government's decision to close schools and government offices was enacted to safeguard public welfare. Many rivers and reservoirs have overflowed due to the relentless rainfall, causing road blockages. Authorities have ceased passenger train services and closed numerous highways in an effort to mitigate further risks as rocks, mud, and fallen trees obstruct transport routes.
Rescue operations have been mounted in various regions, with local television capturing an air force helicopter evacuating three individuals stranded on a house roof engulfed by floods on Thursday. Additionally, the navy and police have deployed boats to aid in transporting residents out of danger.
Tragedy struck near the eastern town of Ampara, where footage emerged of a car being swept away by floodwaters, resulting in the deaths of three passengers. This incident exemplifies the severe impact of the ongoing flooding on communities throughout Sri Lanka.
As the situation unfolds, Sri Lanka continues to face challenges in managing the consequences of the extreme weather. The coordinated emergency response efforts seek not only to save lives but also to provide relief to those affected by this disaster. The current crisis underscores the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters, highlighting the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies moving forward.
