Sri Lanka Counts Heavy Losses as Deadly Floods and Landslides Devastate Communities

Sri Lanka is reeling from one of its most destructive bouts of extreme weather in recent years, as the death toll from widespread flooding and landslides rises to 123. Emergency teams continue working across hard-hit regions where entire villages have been swept away, roads destroyed, and families displaced.

Several days of relentless rainfall triggered sudden landslides in hilly districts, burying homes beneath mud and debris. In low-lying areas, swollen rivers burst their banks, forcing thousands to flee to temporary shelters. Rescue crews have been using boats, helicopters, and heavy machinery to reach isolated communities still cut off by damaged infrastructure.

Authorities warn that the number of casualties may continue to climb as search teams move deeper into affected zones. Many residents remain unaccounted for, and access to remote areas has slowed recovery efforts.

The government has launched a nationwide relief operation, distributing food, clean water, and medical supplies to evacuees. Military personnel have been deployed to clear roads and stabilize slopes at risk of further collapse.

Humanitarian groups say the scale of destruction is severe, with many families having lost everything in a matter of minutes. Temporary shelters are now crowded, and health officials are monitoring for potential outbreaks of waterborne disease as floodwaters stagnate.

Meteorologists expect rainfall to ease gradually, though warnings remain in place for localized storms and unstable terrain. As the country begins assessing the long-term damage, officials say rebuilding will take months and require significant international support.

For now, rescuers remain focused on the urgent task of reaching survivors and providing relief to the thousands who have been left with nothing but the hope of starting again.

Author: M.J