Sri Lanka is once again the scene of a tragic series of floods The heavy monsoon rains have affected more than 130.000 people in different parts of the country. The rains have not stopped for days, causing a large number of displacements and serious damage to infrastructure and homes. The situation is particularly alarming in districts such as Colombo, Galle and Gampaha, where thousands of people have had to leave their homes to seek safety in evacuation centres set up by the authorities.
The rains, which began over the weekend, have caused flooding in much of the island., but the worst affected areas are in the west, south and some central provinces. According to Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre (DMC), more than 130.000 people have been affected by the storms, and at least 16 have died. The fatalities are concentrated mainly in the districts of Kalutara, Colombo and Galle, due to swollen rivers and landslides caused by torrential rains.
devastating consequences
Authorities have warned that water levels in several rivers have exceeded critical levels., increasing the risk of further flooding. Warnings have been issued for residents of low-lying areas, especially near the Kelani and Gin rivers, which are at risk of bursting their banks. Over the past 48 hours, the rivers have reached their maximum flow, and the situation could worsen if the rains continue at the same intensity.
The Government has deployed army and navy troops to assist in rescue and evacuation efforts, as well as to distribute food and basic items to those affected. Nearly 10.000 temporary shelters have been set up to care for displaced families, many of whom have lost their homes due to landslides or sudden river flooding.
Alerts for landslides and additional risks
In addition to flooding, the DMC has issued landslide alerts in several mountainous areas., with the worst affected areas being Sabaragamuwa, Nuwara Eliya and Kegalle provinces. Continued soil saturation due to heavy rains significantly increases the risk of landslides, which could cause even greater damage in the coming hours.
This is not the only problem that authorities and the population are dealing with.In the capital Colombo, crocodiles have been spotted drifting into urban areas on the back of the water. Local authorities have asked people to stay away from bodies of water and report any sightings of the dangerous animals.
Measures and challenges amidst chaos
The Government has approved the disbursement of approximately 50 million Sri Lankan rupees (equivalent to approximately 156.000 euros) to continue relief efforts, both in terms of rescue and humanitarian response. Authorities have closed all schools and many educational centres have been converted into temporary shelters. Work functions and services, such as public transport, have been disrupted in several localities, especially in the areas most affected by the floods.
Monsoon rains, which usually bring agricultural benefits to the country, have had a devastating impact this year.. Sri Lanka has already suffered extensive damage from similar floods in 2021, and experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such disasters. Many believe that the lack of adequate drainage systems in urban and rural areas has exacerbated the destructive effects of rainfall, resulting in entire communities becoming isolated by water.
The testimony of affected inhabitants in several villages in Sri Lanka reflects the helplessness and desperation they feel. Sulochani, a resident of Maikkulama village in Puttalam district, lamented that floods in her area occur two to three times a year, with no effective preventive measures taken by the authorities. “We have no food, no drinking water, and we have been enduring water inundating our houses for weeks,” she said in despair.
The impact of climate change
International organizations and experts agree that the effects of climate change have intensified rainfall in Sri Lanka and other Asian countries., which has made flooding more severe. Although monsoons are common in this region at this time of year, the climate crisis is dramatically worsening the situation.
Residents of areas such as Chilaw, near Colombo, blame the lack of proper drainage systems The magnitude of the flooding is a major factor. According to one of those affected, Chandana Costa, “The flooding would not have been so severe if the drainage systems had been properly designed.” Unfortunately, many urban and rural areas in Sri Lanka do not have sufficiently robust infrastructure to withstand heavy monsoon rainfall.
With the rains expected to continue in the coming days, emergency teams continue to work tirelessly to mitigate the damage and prevent further loss of life. Authorities have asked the population to stay informed through official channels and not to take unnecessary risks by trying to cross flooded areas or travel to areas affected by landslides.
The situation in Sri Lanka remains critical, with more than 130.000 people affected and thousands of them displaced in shelters. International aid could be crucial in the coming weeks if the rains do not stop and the damage continues to increase. Authorities and humanitarian organizations are working together to help those affected, but the challenges posed by this natural disaster are enormous and a quick resolution of the crisis is not expected.
