Sri Lanka Flood Toll Rises as Monsoon Rains Devastate Communities
Sri Lanka endures its worst floods in years, with hundreds dead and thousands displaced as rescue teams battle power outages, landslides, and widespread damage across many districts.
Severe floods and mudslides have battered Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah, with rescue teams racing to reach affected communities. Officials report hundreds dead and thousands unaccounted as heavy rains continue across the island.
More than 108,000 people have been moved into government shelters and more than 20,000 homes have been destroyed, highlighting a large humanitarian need.
Impact and casualties
Official figures show at least 193 deaths and more than 200 people still missing as floodwaters and landslides cut access to many areas. Authorities say about a third of the country faced power and water outages in the wake of the cyclone.
Hardest hit and on-the-ground realities
In the central districts of Kandy and Badulla, fatalities were highest while numerous communities remain cut off due to blocked roads from landslides.
A resident from Badulla described losing relatives and taking shelter in a temple and a sturdy house, with roads blocked and growing shortages of food and clean water.
In Kurunegala in the north-central region, 11 residents of an elderly care home were swept away by floodwater. In Anuradhapura, rescue crews saved 69 people from a bus submerged in floodwaters.
One survivor recalled how the navy helped people reach the roof of a nearby building; part of the roof collapsed during the rescue, but everyone was brought to safety.
Relief efforts and the road ahead
The government has appealed for international aid and urged Sri Lankans abroad to donate to relief efforts to assist affected communities.
Context and regional outlook
Ditwah brushed the island’s eastern coast but has since moved away, although monsoon rains continue and extreme weather remains unusual for the region. Officials point to the strongest floods in Sri Lanka this century occurring in 2003, when hundreds were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. Across Southeast Asia, floods in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have affected millions as well.
Expert perspective
Experts say climate-driven extreme rainfall is increasing during the monsoon season, raising flood risk. They call for stronger disaster planning and sustained international support to help communities recover.
Summary
The flooding crisis has caused a high death toll and widespread displacement across multiple districts. Shelters are active and aid appeals are growing, while authorities monitor water levels and plan further evacuations. The episode underscores the vulnerability of communities during the monsoon and the need for robust regional relief efforts.
Key insight: The scale of Sri Lanka's floods highlights the growing impact of extreme rainfall during the monsoon season, stressing relief services and regional preparedness. Source: BBC News