Heavy rains cause floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, killing 56 people and destroying more than 600 houses. The government closed all government offices and schools in view of security. Many roads, railway routes and areas were submerged in water, rescue operations underway.
Colombo. Sri Lanka is currently going through a very serious climatic crisis. Heavy rains for several consecutive days have slowed down the pace of the entire country. But what was seen in the last 48 hours proved that the havoc of nature is bigger than any preparation. The sudden heavy rains triggered a series of floods and landslides that immediately put the entire country in trouble. Houses were washed away, roads were destroyed and many areas were completely submerged in water. Mud landslides in hilly areas uprooted many families forever. So far 56 people have died and more than 600 houses have been badly damaged. The government system suffered such a big shock that officials immediately ordered the closure of schools and government offices.
Why did government offices and schools have to be closed in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is currently going through its most serious weather crisis. Continuous heavy rains for the last one week have caused devastation in many parts of the country. The rain gained more intensity from Thursday afternoon, after which the incidents of floods and landslides started increasing rapidly.
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56 people died, more than 600 houses destroyed
According to the Disaster Management Centre, 56 people have lost their lives so far. The worst damage occurred in the hilly tea plantation areas of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, where more than 25 people died in landslides in a single day. 21 people are still missing in these areas, while 14 are injured. Deaths have also been recorded in different landslides in other parts of the country.
Government order: All offices and schools closed immediately
Seeing the situation worsening, the government took a big decision on Friday. All government offices and schools were closed, so that the movement of people could be stopped and they could be kept safe.
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Roads broken, rivers in spate, rail service affected
Due to heavy rains many big rivers and ponds have overflowed. Reasons for this:
- Many roads have been submerged in water
- Roads are blocked by stones and mud falling from the hills
- Trains had to be stopped due to debris on the railway track
- Navy and police are using boats to rescue people from many areas.
- In a video, an Air Force helicopter was seen rescuing three people trapped on the roof of a house.
Car washed away in Ampara, three people died
A car got caught in the rising flood waters near the eastern city of Ampara and was swept away on a river-like road. Three passengers died in this accident. This incident clearly shows how dangerous floods have become.
Will the danger increase further in the coming days?
- According to the Meteorological Department, the rain is unlikely to stop now.
- Officials have appealed to people to stay in safe places and follow warnings.
Has heavy rain brought the entire country to a standstill?
Yes. Due to continuous rains many ponds and rivers have overflowed. Due to this:
- Many roads were flooded
- Traffic stopped due to falling of stones and soil on hilly roads
- Passenger trains were stopped due to debris on the railway track.
In many areas, the Navy and police had to resort to boats to take people to safe places. The government says that the weather may worsen, so it is important to remain alert.
Is the rescue operation still going on?
Yes, rescue operations are going on war-footing. A video is going viral on local TV channels in which an Air Force helicopter is seen rescuing three people trapped on the roof of a flooded house. Navy and police have evacuated dozens of people to safe places through boats.
Is the danger over yet?
The Meteorological Department says that the rain may continue further. This means that:
- Flood levels may increase.
- Landslide incidents may happen again.
- There will be further pressure on rescue and relief operations.
- The government has appealed to the people to stay in safe places and take the warnings seriously.