Sri Lanka is currently dealing with massive flooding and landslides caused by the aftermath of the cyclone Ditwah, which hit land on Wednesday. The cyclone has severely worsened the already ongoing northeast monsoon season, bringing record-breaking rainfall throughout the country. In one day on Sunday similar amounts were received pushing 360mm through in multiple regions across the central part of the country, worsening what is already a tragic situation.
The floods have inflicted widespread destruction, with a minimum of 3,000 homes destroyed by mudslides and surging floodwaters. On Saturday, flooding conditions escalated drastically, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas. In response, officials ordered residents along the banks of the Kelani River to evacuate. Tens of thousands of police and military personnel are on duty around the clock, passing out food, removing debris from blocked roads and rescuing families trapped in houses.
While the destruction caused by the flooding has been catastrophic, this especially affects our most vulnerable communities. According to some reports, at least 11 elderly residents of a care home drowned after flood waters inundated the facility in the eastern part of the country. In addition, over half a million Americans at any moment are enduring the pain and dislocation imposed by this scourge of nature.
“We are six people, including a one-and-a-half-year-old child. If the water rises another five steps up the staircase, we will have nowhere to go,” – The Sirasa TV network broadcast.
Rescue operations are still underway, with military troops rescuing 69 bus passengers in a 24-hour rescue over on Saturday. One of those saved was a German tourist in the Anuradhapura district, indicating the far-reaching scope of this crisis.
Engaged residents have shown disbelief, outrage, and sadness at the speed at which this flooding came on. One woman recounted her experience:
“I first heard about the flood warning on TV but we never expected the river to overflow so quickly. We just rushed out of the house without anything,” – Mallika Kumari.
Emergency services have always adapted to the changing needs as the situation unfolds. The floods are already being called the worst disaster since June 2003. Residents have only to look a few decades back to see what destruction a hurricane can bring. VSA Ratnayake noted:
“We were very lucky … while we were on the roof, part of it collapsed … three women fell into the water, but they were helped back on to the roof,” – WM Shantha.
In response to this humanitarian crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences over the loss of life in Sri Lanka and announced that India dispatched a planeload of supplies early Saturday morning to assist victims. He stated:
“I think this could be the worst flood in our area for three decades,” – VSA Ratnayake.
While Sri Lanka has been raging under one of its worst natural calamities in decades. Local governments and community-based relief organizations are moving swiftly to deploy resources to support those affected. The government’s response includes coordinated efforts to ensure safety and provide essential supplies to displaced families.
“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” – Narendra Modi.
As Sri Lanka faces one of its most challenging natural disasters in years, local authorities and relief organizations are mobilizing resources to support those affected. The government’s response includes coordinated efforts to ensure safety and provide essential supplies to displaced families.