2017 May 26
With the arrival of the South-west monsoon in Sri Lanka, major floods and landslides were unleashed across the island. Scores have been reported dead, missing, injured or displaced during the span of less than 48 hours.
Authorities are doing their best to tackle the crisis.
Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing crisis, from statistics on the number of people affected to emergency contact numbers and lists of flood-prone areas.
An estimated 500,000 people have been affected by the harsh weather conditions, with over a 100,000 displaced from their homes. Latest reports of the Disaster Management Center (as at 03.06.2017 1200h) present the following statistics regarding those affected:
- Total no. of individuals affected: 704,815
- Total no. of families affected: 185,805
- Total no. of districts affected: 15
- No. of persons reported dead: 211
- No. of persons reported missing: 91
- No. of persons injured: 63
- No. of persons placed in secure locations: 39,092
- No. of families placed in secure locations: 11,203
- No. of established secure locations: 239
- The highest number of deaths (over 85) has been reported from Ratnapura.
- Total no. of houses totally or partially destroyed: 12,866
- No. of houses totally destroyed: 1,999
- No. of houses partially destroyed: 10,867
UPDATES
2nd June
- 4.14 pm
All schools belonging to the Western province will reopen on Monday (June 5th).
All schools of Sabaragamuwa, with the exception of 15 selected schools which are being used as temporary camps for flood victims, will reopen on Monday (June 5th).
With the exception of 39 schools, the remaining schools of the Southern province will recommence on Monday (June 5th) too.
10 of the aforementioned 39 schools in the South are currently harbouring displaced flood victims, whereas the remaining 29 are to remain closed as a result of the damage sustained by them from floods and landslides.
The power to decide the reopening of those schools that are being used as camps for flood vctims lies in the hands of the zonal directors of education.
The zonal directors of education also have the authority to transfer students of partially or totally damaged schools to the nearest functioning schools and ensure the due provision of education for all students under their reign.
- 12.26 pm
The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has commenced investigations into over 1000 areas identified as dangerous zones due to risk of landslides.
However, the NBRO urges the public not to ignore the warnings issued to different regions even if specialist teams have not yet surveyed said areas and confirmed the risk.
- 9.27 am
The warning of landslides and collapsing of bunds issued by the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) is valid till 1.00 pm today (June 2nd), assuming that continuous rainfall is experienced.
Accordingly, the warning is applicable to the following 7 districts:
Ratnapura
Kegalle
Galle
Kalutara
Matara
Hambantota
Nuwara Eliya
Occupants of the identified danger zones have been advised to evacuate.
Residents of Pitabeddara, Athu-Ela and Thalapekumbura in Matara have already been evacuated as of yesterday (June 1st).
- 9.25 am
Police stated that 7 families have been evacuated from the foot of Millakanda Pahalagama, Bulathsinhala, due to an impending risk of a landslide.
- 7.33 am
Weather Forecast issued by the Department of Meteorology:
Showery conditions are expected to enhance in the south-western part of the country today (June 2nd).
Fragmented episodes of rain is to be expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-western provinces.
Heavy rainfall amounting up to about 100 mm may be experienced, particularly in the districts of Colombo, Kaluthara, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Kurunegala and Kegalle.
Showers or thundershowers may also occur in the Eastern, Uva, and North-central provinces, and in the Vavuniya district, particularly in the afternoon, where fairly strong winds with a speed of about 50 kmph will accompany the showers.
1st June
- 4.36 pm
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Asim in his capacity as the Special Envoy of the President of Maldives has provided relief to Sri Lanka in the form of financial assistance, as a gesture to help flood victims.
- 10.38 am
The China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) donated relief supplies, including food and daily necessities to the victims of Yabaraluwa,
31st May
- 9.46 pm
The Ministry of Education says that there will be no change in the decision taken to close all schools in the 8 severely affected districts.
Accordingly, all schools in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Ratnapura and Kegalle will be closed until Friday (June 2nd).
- 5.51 pm
The Research and Development Unit of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has installed 3 mobile Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants in Rathnapura, Baduraliya and Baddegama, to facilitate the victims to access safe drinking water.
The SLN has also offered assistance to clean 276 wells in Matara, Galle, Rathnapura and Kaluthara.
In addition, the medical team of the SLN conducted medical camps in Matara, Udugama, Galapatha, Bulathsinhala, Nagoda, and Elpitiya.
- 3.05 pm
All interchanges of the Southern Expressway, except the Godagama, Matara interchange which still remains flooded, have been reopened.
- 12.11 pm
44 school children are reportedly amongst the flood fatalities reported so far.
30th May
- 5.31 pm
Pitakandara and Makadawala mountain of Walasmulla have been marked as danger zones, owing to the risk of potential landslides.
- 5.00 pm
The INS Jalashwa, carrying on board relief supplies and a medical team, and the INS ZULFIQUAR, carrying aboard relief supplies, which were dispatched from India and Pakistan respectively, have both arrived in Sri Lanka.
- 3.15 pm
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources Development has issued a special contact number to improve and speed up the process of fuel supply to flood-hit areas.
Accordingly, in the event of a shortage of fuel, difficulty obtaining fuel or issues regarding the distribution of fuel, contact :
077 50 30 222
- 1.59 pm
The section of the Southern Expressway extending from Gelanigama to Dodangoda, which was closed off due to floods, has been reopened due to the receding of water.
- 12.44 pm
The National Child Protection Authority has requested the public inform the Authority of any children who have lost their parents or guardians as a result of the floods and landslides.
Contact details are as follows :
National Child Protection Authority : 011 2 778 911 – 4
‘ChildLine’ hotline : 1929
- 10.00 am
Latest weather forecast issued by the Department of Meteorology:
As the cyclonic storm ‘MORA’ is expected to enter the territory of Bangladesh, the possibility for heavy rain and strong winds will be reduced in Sri Lanka by tomorrow.
However, under its influence, cloudy skies, and windy and showery conditions are to be expected over the country today.
Very strong winds with a speed of about 80 kmph are therefore to be expected over the country, especially over the western slope of the central hills, and surrounding sea areas.
Showers or thundershowers may also occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, Central, Northern and North-central provinces.
Heavy rain above 100 mm can be expected in some regions, particularly in the Western slope of the central hills.
Showers or thundershowers are likely to occur in the sea area off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambanthota via Colombo and Galle. Other areas of sea may also experience showers or thundershowers.
Winds will be south-westerly in direction and speed will be 40-50 kmph.
The sea area off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanturai, and sea area off the coast extending from Galle to Batticaloa via Hambantota have the potential to become rough as reports indicate that the wind speed may increase up to 70-80 kmph.
The other sea areas around the island may also get rough as the wind speed can increase up to 60-70 kmph.
Naval and fishing communities are therefore requested to be vigilant in this regard.
- 8.40 am
The time allocated to make amendments to the voters registry in flood-ridden districts has been extended by the Election Commission.
Accordingly, the deadline for submission of application forms by voters, which was previously set for June 7th, has been postponed in the relevant districts.
29th May
- 10.00 pm
The following list of humanitarian relief provisions are in need, as per the report submitted by the National Disaster Relief Services Center:
- Drinking water bottles
- Bed sheets
- Blankets
- Sleeping mattresses
- Generators with flash lights
- Gum boots – Medium and Large
- Life jackets with reflectives
- Sleeping mats
- Mobile toilets
- Mosquito nets
- Rain coats – Large and Small
- Tarpaulin
- Tents
- Rub hall
- Torches with batteries
- Bath towels
- Hurricane lamps (lanterns)
- Match-boxes / lighters
- Flash lights
- Female sanitary packs
- Male/Female undergarments (cotton)
- Rubber slippers – Large, Medium and Small
- Baby clothes (cotton)
- Baby diapers – Small, Medium, Large and Extra-Large
- Boats with 40 HP engines
- Water tanks (capacity – 5000 litres)
- Inflatable rescue boats
- Kitchen utensils (packs)
- Water pumps with a hose unit
- Chain saws
- Emergency mobile freezing units
- Water purification plants
- Portable emergency folding beds (camp beds)
- Pressure guns
- Handheld GPS units
- Small boats
- 1.11 pm
- All schools in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Ratnapura and Kegalle will be closed till Friday.
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- 12.32 pm
- Lanka Sathosa outlets in flood-ridden areas have been directed to support relief efforts.
-
- 12.19 pm
- To inform the Road Development Authority of any roads in need of repair, contact :
- 1968 / 1969
-
- 12.14 pm
- The spread of dengue may increase in Sri Lanka owing to the flood-ridden condition prevailing in the country, reports state.
-
- 10.59 am
- The landslide warning previously issued for 7 identified districts continues to remain in effect.
- (See update posted at 4.08 pm on 29th May for full list)
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- 7.27 am
Following is the list of roads that still remain affected by the floods, as confirmed by the Police :
Ratnapura :
Ratnapura- Kalawana road
Ratnapura – Panadura road
Ratnapura – Palawella road
Kuruwita – Gokaralla road
Kalawana – Ratnapura road
Kalawana – Pothupitiya road
Kalawana- Ratnapura road
Kalawana – Puthupitiya road
Kalawana – Mathugama road
Ehaliyagoda – Ellawala road
Pothupitiya- Rakwana road
Kolonna – Deniyaya road
Niwithigala – Kalawana road
Kiriella – Panadura road
Kalutara :
Kalutara – Kethhena road
Baduraliya – Athwelthota road
Bulathsinhala – Baduraliya road
Kalawellawa – Thebuwana road
Mathugama – Kalutara road
Welipenna- Aluthgama road
Aluthgama – Mathugama road
Kalutara – Horana road
Thebuwana – Nebada road
Galle :
Neluwa – Dellawa road
Neluwa- Udugama road
Neluwa – Pellawatte road
Udugama – Baddegama road
Waduraba- Mapalagama road
Waduraba – Yakkalamulla road
Waduraba – Baddegama road
Poddala – Baddegama road
Wakwella – Ginthota road
Hiniduma – Neluwa road
Hiniduma – Udugama road
Hiniduma – Akuressa road
Matara :
Matara – Akuressa road
Matara- Kamburupitiya road
Tangalle – Weeraketiya road
Kelaniya Police Division :
Biyagama – Kaduwela road
Biyagama- Colombo road
Mulleriyawa Police Division :
Chandrika Kumaratunga Mawatha
Other roads :
Padukka- Hanwella road
Padukka – Inigiriya road
Kaluaggala – Labugama road
Pahathgama – Diddeniya road
Kaduwela – Homagama road
28th May
- 10.45 pm
Over 250,000 have been deprived of electricity due to power failures and disconnections caused by the torrential rainfall.
Repairs have been hindered by the torrential rain.
The public has been urged to refrain from traveling near the submerged sub transmission grids in boats.
The Ministry of Power and Energy has also announced that the minor damages caused by the heavy rain to domestic electrical networks will be repaired free-of-charge.
Contact the following authorities in case of power failure or malfunction:
- Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) – 1987
- Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited – 1910
- Ministry of Power and Energy – 1901
10.10 pm
Certificates of examinations damaged/lost in the floods, including those of GCE Advanced Level and Ordinary Level examinations, will reportedly be reissued free-of-charge by means of the one-day service, under the recommendation of the Grama Niladharis.
The deadline of applications for the GCE Ordinary Level examination 2017 has been postponed till June 15.
- 10.32 pm
Irrigation Department confirms that residents living downstream of the Panapitiya protection bund have no need to panic, as the water levels of the Kalu Ganga are not rising any further in said area.
- 10.03 pm
Yet another shipment carrying dry rations, medicine and other relief has arrived at the Colombo harbour aboard the INS Shardul.
The shipment reportedly contain dry rations, medicine and other relief provisions.
- 10.00 pm
Flood conditions around the Nilwala River have reached an uncontrollable state.
Accordingly, residents in the proximity of the Nilwala River from Akuressa up to the town of Matara have been instructed to clear the area.
The following areas near the lower basin of the Nilwala River have been identified as flood-prone zones:
Godagama,
Hiththatiya,
Thudawa,
Malimbafa,
Siripanagoda,
Maduruduwa,
Parahathgoda,
Kadduwa,
and the region surrounding the aforementioned zones.
- 9.25 pm
The Matara Base Hospital is in the process of evacuation. Patients in Ward 28 have already been transferred to the Kotawila District Hospital.
The dams that stand to control the water flow are beyond salvage as water already flooding towards the secure areas over the dams.
The water level has evidently risen so high that officials are unable to even reach the gauges of the river to read the water level accurately.
- 9.15 pm
Occupants of the Baddegama town and associated areas have been issued an immediate evacuation notice due to the rise in pressure exerted by the water flow on Gin Ganga’s Baddegama dam.
- 9:10 pm
The water level of Gin Ganga at Thawalama is at a normal level, whereas the level in Baddegama is at the major flood stage.
- 9.03 pm
The old bridge in Baddegama had to be demolished due to extreme weather conditions, sources state.
The water level at Baddegama is steadily rising.
The reason for this is said to be the impact caused by the decreasing water levels at the river’s high points in Neluwa, Thawalama and Hiniduma.
Water is reportedly seeping through the barrier that stands to protect the town of Baddegama. Sand bags are being placed near the barrier as a reinforcing measure.
- 9.00 pm
Irrigation Engineer of the Colombo Zone, Chaminda Pushpakumara has verified that there are no signs of structural failure with the ‘Agul Dora’ of the Diyagama-Kalutara flood control dam, and assures that there is no apparent indication that it will give way.
- 8.43 pm
The Ratnapura district appears to have suffered the greatest impact due to the inclement weather. The district’s death toll is at 71 – mostly due to landslides, with 5 more injured, and 20 reported missing. 85,758 in total have been affected in Ratnapura. No information has been provided on the property damage.
- 8.40 pm
The water levels of the Kelani River in Holombuwa, Deraniyaga, Kitulgala and Noerwood are receding to normal levels.
However, the level in Hanwella is still at the minor flood stage, whilst the water level is rising further in Nagalaganweediya.
Meanwhile, the water level of the Attanagalu Oya also appears to be gradually receding.
- 8.35 pm
Occupants of the river banks in Panadura and Bolgoda, and residents of Wadduwa and Moronthuduwa are instructed to on guard.
The water level gauges in Ratnapura, Millakanda and Putupawula all indicated that the water levels of the Kalu River were at the major flood stage.
Department of Irrigation has stated that the water level is gradually decreasing in Ratnapura and Millakanda.
Due to the rising chance of the collapsing of the Panapitiya dam of the Bolgoda Reservoir, the areas of Wadduwa, Bandaragama, Anguruwatota, Morethuduwa, Panadura-North and Panadura-South have been warned to be cautious.
- 8.27 pm
The Water Supply and Drainage Board (WSDB) states that the supply across the nation has been thrown into disarray.
Colombo is being supplied with water at a low pressure.
Several water distributing pipes in Labugama have been destroyed by the floods. Water is being diverted through alternative pipe lines as a temporary solution.
3 out of the 4 water supply schemes of Matara have been flooded. All supply of water is being conducted from the only standing operational supply scheme.
- 8.25 pm
Doctors raise warning about the risk of spread of food and water-borne diseases due to flood conditions, and advise the public to be cautious about the water they drink, and drink ONLY boiled water.
Flood victims seeking refuge in temporary camps have been advised to attempt to drink bottled water as much as possible.
- 8.09 pm
The government of China has announced that they are prepared to send humanitarian relief worth USD 2.2 million as relief for the victims of floods and landslides.
- 7.50 pm
All health-related trade unions have pledged allegiance to co-operate with the government and provide the necessary health and medical aid to the destitute.
- 5.21 pm
The Disaster Management Center has dispelled rumours about damage to the Kukuleganga dam. The public is requested to remain calm as there is no posing threat.
- 4.16 pm
The following list of roads is reported to be inundated owing to adverse weather:
Ratnapura:
Ratnapura- Kalawana road
Ratnapura – Panadura road
Ratnapura – Palawella road
Kuruwita – Gokaralla road
Kalawana – Ratnapura road
Kalawana – Pothupitiya road
Kalawana- Mathugama road
Ahaliyagoda – Ellawala road
Pottupitiya- Rakwana road
Kolonna – Deniyaya road
Niwithigala – Chilaw road
Kiriella – Panadura road
Kalutara :
Kalutara – Kethhena road
Baduraliya – Athwalthota road
Bulathsinhala – Baduraliya road
Kalawallawa – Thebuwana road
Mathugama – Kalutara road
Walipanna- Aluthgama road
Aluthgama – Mathugama road
Kalutara – Horana road
Thebuwana – Nabada road
Galle :
Neluwa – Dellawa road
Neluwa- Udugama road
Neluwa – Pellawatte road
Udugama – Badegama road
Waduraba- Mapalagama road
Waduraba – Yakkalamulla road
Waduraba – Badegama road
Poddala – Baddegama road
Wakwella – Ginthota road
Hiniduma – Neluwa road
Hiniduma – Udugama road
Hiniduma – Akurassa road
Matara :
Matara – Akurassa road
Matara- Kumburupitiya road
Tangalle – Weeraketiya road
Other roads include :
Biyagama – Kaduwela road under the control of the Kelaniya Police Division
Biyagama- Colombo road
Padukka- Hanwella road
Padukka Inigiriya road
Kaluaggala – Labugama road
Pahathgama – Dideniya road
Kaduwela – Homagama road
Motorists are advised to drive with caution.
- 4.08 pm
The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued an alert on possibility of landslide in the following districts if rainfall continues, as the slopes are in wet condition and therefore are likely to result in landslides or slope cut failures :
Kegalle District :
Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Deraniyagala and Yatiyanthota Divisional Secretariats
Galle District :
Baddegama, Yakkalamulla , Neluwa, Thawalama, Niyagama and Nagoda Divisional Secretariats
Ratapura District :
Elapatha, Pelmadulla, Kuruwita, Ehaliyagoda, Kiriella, Imbulpe, Ayagama, Kahawatta and Kalawana Divisional Secretariat divisions
Kalutara District :
Bulathsinhala, Agalawatta, Wallawita and Buduraliya Divisional Secretariat divisions
Matara District :
Kotapola, Pasgoda, Pitabeddara and Mulatiyana Divisional Secretariats divisions
Hambantota District :
Walasmulla and Katuwana Divisional Secretariat divisions
Nuwara Eliya District :
Ambagamuwa Korale Divisional Secretariat divisions
The NBRO advises inhabitants of the risk areas to evacuate if rain continues to fall within the next 24 hours.
- 3.56 pm
Agencies under the UN are currently assisting the government of Sri Lanka with search, relief and rescue operations, upon a request made by the government.
UNICEF will be supplying water containers, water purification tablets and tarpaulin sheets. The provisions will reportedly be handed over to the Disaster Management Center (DMC).
The WHO will be assisting the Ministry of Health to deploy medical teams to areas in need.
The WFP and UNDP are already collaborating with the DMC with information management and communication.
The UNOCHA will be providing human resources for the purpose of coordination with government and humanitarian partners.
Meanwhile, neighbouring nations have also readied search and rescue troops. The troops are on standby and ready to be deployed if the need arises.
- 2.52 pm
The flood conditions in the districts of Colombo, Kalutara, Ratnapura and Galle have reduced, according to authorities. However, the crisis has not been completely averted, and the public is therefore advised to remain cautious.
- 12.52 pm
Weather forecast for Monday, the 29th of May, issued by the Department of Meteorology at 28.05.2017 1200h:
Showery conditions are likely to enhance again over the south-western part of the island from 29th May 2017.
Showers or thundershowers are predicted to occur in several regions, including, but not limited to, the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-western provinces.
Heavy rainfall (above 100 mm) can be expected in some areas, particularly in the western slope of the central hills.
Fairly strong winds with a speed up to 50-60kmph can be expected at times across the island. These winds are likely to become stronger during showers.
The public is also requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by lightning activity.
As the South-west monsoon condition has established over the country and surrounding sea area, the prevailing windy condition is expected to continue over the sea areas around the island.
Showers or thundershowers are likely to occur in the sea area off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambanthota via Colombo and Galle, and other sea areas.
Winds will be south-westerly in direction with a speed of 40-50 kmph.
The sea area off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankasanturai, and the area off the coast extending from Galle to Batticaloa via Hambantota have the potential to become very rough, as the wind speed can increase up to 60-70 kmph.
The other sea areas around the island can also become rough at times, as the wind speed may increase up to 60 kmph.
Naval and fishing communities are therefore requested to be vigilant in this regard.
Weather forecast breakdown by city:
- Anuradhapura – Showers/thundershowers after 2.00 pm
- Batticaloa – Showers/thundershowers after 2.00pm
- Colombo – Showers/thundershowers at times
- Galle – Showers/thundershowers at times
- Jaffna – mainly fair
- Kandy – Showers/thundershowers at times
- Nuwara Eliya – Multiple spells of showers
- Ratnapura – Showers/thundershowers at times
- Trincomalee – Showers/thundershowers likely after 2.00 pm
- Mannar – Mainly fair
- 9.25 am
The National Building Research Organization has advised the inhabitants of the areas that were tagged ‘dangerous’ yesterday (Saturday, the 27th), to be cautious and vigilant during the course of the next few days.
The danger zones include :
Ratnapura district :
Ratnapura, Alapatha, Palmadulla, Kurawitta, Ahaliyagoda, Imbulpei, Ayagama, Kahawatta, Kalawana, Kolonna, Kiriella and Niwithigala
Kegalle district :
Bulathkohupitiya, Daraniyagala, Yatinthota and Dehiowita.
Galle district :
Badegama, Yakkamulla, Neluwa, Niyagama and Nageda.
Kalutara district :
Bulathsinhala, Agalawatta, Walallawita, Baduraliya
Matara district :
Kotapola, Pasgoda, Pitabaddara, Mulatiyana
Hambantota district :
Walasmulla, Katuwana
Kandy district :
Gangaihalakorale
Nuwara Eliya :
Ambagamuwa
Overview
Due to torrential monsoon rains, water levels of the Kalu, Kelani, Gin, Nilwala rivers and the Attanagalu Oya rose steadily and eventually overflowed, submerging vast expanses of land and causing insurmountable damage.
It is believed to be the worst flood experienced by the nation since the disaster of 2003.
Major flood areas
- Ratnapura
- Elapatha
- Pelmadulla
- Kuruvita
- Kiriella
- Ayagama
- Ingiriya
- Bulathsinhala
- Palinda-Nuwara
- Millaniya
- Padukka
Minor flood areas
- Kolonnawa
- Biyagama
- Kelaniya
- Kaduwela
- Dompe
- Hanwella
- Padukka
- Avissawella
Congestion & diversion of traffic
- Police have announced that the Kokmaduwa and Welipenna interchanges of the Southern Expressway have been flooded due to the extreme weather. Motorists are advised to use alternative exits.
- The Kaduwela exit of the Southern Expressway has been closed off due to floods. The Road Development Authority (RDA) has advised motorists travelling from Kadawatha to use the Athurugiriya and Kottawa exits instead.
- The RDA also urges ALL motorists using the Southern Expressway to follow the instructions displayed on the Expressway’s electronic displays, and call the Expressway’s emergency hotline – 1969 – in case of an emergency.
- The Colombo Avissawella old road is inundated at the points of Wellampitiya, Kohilawatta and Ambatale. Motorists are therefore advised to use alternative routes.
- Heavy traffic was reported in and around Colombo due to the heavy rain.
- A main water pipe that distributes water from the Labugama and Kalatuwawa purification centers has sustained damages from a landslide in Thunmodara, Kaluaggala. Consequently, water supply to the areas of Waga, Kaluaggala, Hanwella, Jayaweeragoda, Jalathara, Ranaala and Nawagamuwa has been hindered. The pressure at which water is distributed to Kaduwela has also decreased as a result of the damage.
- Water supply systems in Matara, Tangalle, and at several places along the Ingiriya – Ratnapura road have been interrupted.
- The Wimalasurendra Reservoir in Norten Bridge is reported to be overflowing due to heavy rain.
- Two sluice gates of the Lakshapana Reservoir and two more at the Canyon Reservoir have been opened since Friday (May 26th) morning.
- All schools in the Sabaragamuwa district were declared closed on Friday (May 26th) due to adverse weather and floods.
- The Provincial Education Secretary announced that all schools in the Ratnapura and Niwithigala education zones will be closed on Monday (May 29th).
- Meanwhile, the Minister of Education has granted power to the principals of all schools in areas affected by floods to make decisions on whether the schools are to remain open or be closed.
- The Education Ministry has announced that all examinations scheduled to be conducted by the Department of Examinations on Saturday, the 27th and Sunday, the 28th will be postponed due to inclement weather.
- The Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development has announced that constructions blocking natural canals and waterways in Kolonnawa, Kaduwela, Wattala and Kelaniya will be removed, in order to minimize floods in urban areas.
- Leaders of political parties made the decision to suspend Parliament proceedings earlier on Friday (May 26th), on account of the prevailing extreme weather conditions.
- The Department of Meteorology has requested naval and fishing communities to be vigilant, as very strong winds with speeds upto 80 kmph and very rough seas were to be expected at times, in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Batticaloa via Trincomalee.
- The Ratnapura town has been submerged due to the overflowing of the Kalu River.
- The Kelani River has been reported to have overflowed. However, an estimate of 30,000 families were successfully evacuated from the Kelani river bank before the river overflowed.
- The Disaster Management Center (DMC) has advised people living along the river banks of Kalu Ganga in Ratnapura, Elapatha, Pelmadulla, Kuruvita, Kiriella and Ayagama to be vigilant of potential floods.
- Residents living along the banks of Kalu Ganga in Ingiriya, Bulathsinhala, Palinda Nuwara, Millaniya and Padukka are advised to take measures against possible major floods.
- Those living along the banks of the Kelani River in Kolonnawa, Biyagama, Kelaniya, Kaduwela, Dompe, Hanwella, Padukka and Avissawella are advised to be on the watch for possible minor floods.
- Those residing at the lower levels of the Nilwala River inner dam area such as Kokduwa, Malimbada and Akuressa have been instructed to evacuate.
- People living close to the Nilwala river basin area have also been requested to evacuate by the DMC, due to the breaching of the river bunds.
- Landslides occurred in several areas including Kiribathgala, Buthgamuwa, Thubbatuwaththa, Neluwa, Bogahawatta, Baduraliya, Sapugaskanda and Devinuwara.
- The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has warned that the districts of Hambantota, Ratnapura, Galle, Kalutara and Matara may experience landslides if extreme weather persists.
- The NBRO has advised the public to be vigilant of the following premonitions of landslides:
- Toppling of gravel
- Collapsing of trees
- Sudden emergence of water springs
- Police have advised citizens to refrain from gathering around crisis-ridden areas for sightseeing, as this has caused severe traffic congestion.
- The latest weather forecast issued by the Department of Meteorology reports that rainfall has reduced since Friday (May 26th), but states that monsoonal showers and windy condition will continue over the south-western part of the island.
- Residents of Bandaththara, Matara have been requested to evacuate immediately, as sources have indicated that the flood-protective bunds of the River Nilwala are in a vulnerable state.
- Inhabitants of the greater Matara area are advised to be vigilant about the rising water levels of the Nilwala River too, as Welewatta, Meddawatta, Uyanwatta and Nadungala are also at risk of going under, should the river overflow.
Search, rescue and relief operations
- The Tri-Forces and the Police have launched extensive search, relief and rescue operations across the affected areas to help the flood victims.
- The Sri Lanka Air Force has allocated 11 helicopters for assistance in search and rescue missions.
- The Sri Lanka Navy has allocated 28 boats for search and rescue operations.
- The Sri Lanka Army has utilized 6 BTR tanks of immense power in order to rescue citizens from flood-ridden areas.
- 84 ambulances have also been dispatched by the 1990 ambulance service.
- The President has advised officials to carry out relief measures for victims regardless of regulations and circulars. He has also instructed officials to take immediate steps to provide compensation for the deaths and property damages caused by the inclement weather conditions and resultant floods and landslides.
- The Government has increased the sum of money allocated for preliminary relief measures in 7 affected districts to Rs. 150 million.
- The Government has also requested the help of foreign nations and the UN for rescue and relief measures.
- The Government of India responded efficiently to the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka by dispatching a ship containing relief supplies.
- A second ship, the INS Shardul, carrying medical relief kits and diving teams, has been dispatched from Kerala’s Kochi Port.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all relevant Indian agencies to assist the rescue and relief operations of Sri Lanka.
- The Indian Navy has been directed to assist in Sri Lankan rescue and relief operations.
- The INS Kirch operating in the Bay of Bengal has also been diverted to Colombo.
- Pakistan has also announced that they will be sending aid as soon as possible.
Important telephone numbers
- Ministry of Home Affairs 24-hour emergency hotline
- 1902
- Emergency contact numbers Disaster Management Center
- Disaster emergency hotline: 117
- Gen: 011 2136136
- EOC: 011 2136222
011 2670002 - Fax: 011 2670079
- Contact numbers of the District Secretariats and District Secretaries
- Ratnapura District – 0452222235 / 0714423760
- Kalutara District – 034 2222235 / 0716814813
- Galle District – 0912234235 / 0714415377
- Matara District – 0412222235 / 0776864397
- Hambantota District – 0472256235 / 0714441612
- Colombo District – 0112369134 / 0773184910
- Gampaha District – 0332222235 / 0773273507
- Kegalle District – 0352222235 / 0773633293
- Region specific contact numbers issued by the SL Army
- Ratnapura – 0766907125
- Galle and Matara – 0766907206
- To request boats for relief efforts
- 0716453402
- 0774652278
- 0773410575
- Contact numbers of the special operation committee under the Ministry of City Planning and Water Supply – to report interruptions of water supply and drinking water issues
- Palitha Weerasinghe (Additional Secretary) – 0777724360
- F. Devaraj (Ass. Gen. Manager) – 0777891332
- Pradeep Lakshan (Sen. Ass. Secretary) – 0714532222
- Contact numbers of the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff for life saving support and other urgent assistance
- 0112674535
- 0112674502
- Southern Expressway emergency assistance hotline
- 1969
Lend a hand!
Almost half a million have been affected by this tragedy. the Government has stepped up its efforts to provide aid to the victims. Foreign nations and the UN have also stepped forward to provide relief to those in need. You can lend a helping hand too!
‘Manusath Derana’, the humanitarian operation conducted by Derana, has initiated a programme to provide relief and aid to victims of the floods and landslides.
Donations are most welcome.
Supplies required : dry rations and bottled water
Collection points :
- Derana Head Office,
No. 320 T. B. Jayah Mawatha,
Colombo 10.
Contact: 0115300700 / 0115300800 - IDEAHELL,
45/6 Alwis Place,
Colombo 03. - Galle Prison
Contact: 0777814930 / 0773730457 - Matara District Secretariat Office
Contact: 0412222235 - Siri Vajiragnana Dharmayathanaya,
Maharagama.
Contact: 071060690
Fiscal donations are also welcome:
Account name – Manusath Derana
Account no. – 0011 1000 9530
Bank Code (swift code) – BSAMLkLX
Bank – Sampath Bank
Branch code – 011
Bank address – Sampath Bank, Bambalapitiya, Colombo 04.
