COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is grappling with one of its worst weather crises in recent years as days of intense rainfall and multiple landslides have killed 31 people, left 14 missing, and displaced thousands, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) said on Thursday.
According to the latest DMC report, 17 districts have been hit by severe weather, affecting 1,158 families — a total of 4,008 people. Ten individuals have been injured, three houses completely destroyed, and 381 others partially damaged. At least 131 residents have been moved to temporary safe shelters.
Badulla District has suffered the highest number of casualties with 18 deaths, followed by Kegalle with 7, and Nuwara Eliya with 4. One death each has been reported in Hambantota and Kurunegala, the DMC said.
Authorities warned that continued rainfall could trigger more landslides, flash floods, and road closures, especially in central and hilly regions already saturated by days of downpours.
Amid the worsening situation, the Department of Examinations postponed the University Entrance examinations scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The Commissioner General of Examinations said the decision followed widespread transport disruptions and the closure of several major roads.
Emergency teams are continuing search-and-rescue operations in high-risk areas as the government urged the public to remain vigilant for landslide alerts and rapidly rising water levels.
