Over 40 Dead, Dozens Missing as Torrential Rains Unleash Deadly Floods and Landslides across Sri Lanka

Colombo: More than 40 people have been killed and at least 10 injured as relentless heavy rains triggered widespread floods and landslides across Sri Lanka this week, prompting major transport disruptions and urgent rescue operations. Authorities also reported 21 people missing, with the toll expected to rise as severe weather continues.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the worst-hit areas are the central highland districts of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, known for their tea plantations. Together, these regions accounted for 25 deaths and all 21 missing persons after multiple landslides struck remote hillside communities.

Sri Lanka has been experiencing severe weather since last week, with intensified downpours over the weekend that flooded homes, farmlands and major roadways. Overflowing reservoirs and rivers have forced authorities to close key inter-provincial roads, worsening travel disruptions.

Train services in the mountainous regions were halted after rocks, mud and trees crashed onto railway tracks. Local television footage showed workers clearing debris, while in some areas, floodwaters submerged entire sections of track.

• Dramatic rescue efforts unfolded throughout the week:
• An air force helicopter pulled three people from the roof of a flooded home.
• Navy and police teams used boats to evacuate stranded residents.

In Ampara, on the eastern coast, a car was swept away by rising waters, killing three passengers.

This week’s disaster marks Sri Lanka’s deadliest weather event since June last year, when 26 people died due to severe rains. Another 17 deaths were recorded during flooding and landslides in December. The country’s worst flooding of the century occurred in June 2003, claiming 254 lives.

While Sri Lanka relies heavily on monsoon rains for agriculture and hydroelectric power, experts warn that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of floods, placing vulnerable communities at heightened risk.

Authorities continue rescue and relief efforts as forecasts signal more rain in the coming days.