Heavy rains trigger deadly floods and landslides in Sri Lanka

At least four people lost their lives while more than 44 153 others have been affected by heavy rains in Sri Lanka since May 10, 2021. The severe weather has resulted in flooding and landslides that damaged properties in many parts of the country.

Days of heavy rain affected around a thousand people in the districts of Rathnapura, Colombo, and Puttalam in Sri Lanka.

According to the Disaster Management Center, at least 44 153 people were affected and up to 618 houses partially damaged.

At least four fatalities were reported– one due to a landslide in Kegalle and three due to floods.

Heavy rainfall filled up reservoirs, forcing authorities to open several dams. Local reports said the waters have reached lower elevations, with rising levels observed in the Kelani River, Nilwala River, Kalu Ganga, Ging Ganga, and Attanagalu Oya.

Figures from the Department of Meteorology show that as much as 229 mm (9 inches) fell in a 24-hour period to May 12 in Beralapanathara.

Several areas recorded more than 150 mm (6 inches) in an eight-hour period on May 13, including Hiniduma with 190 mm (7.5 inches) and Horana with 160 mm (6.3 inches).

The heavy downpours were a result of a low-pressure area developed in the southeastern Arabian Sea. This LPA intensified into Tropical Cyclone "Tauktae" on May 14.

Raxapana,Malwana 
Eid Festival + Flood + Lockdown#lka #Eid #srilanka @Welikumbura @MahelaJay @munza14 pic.twitter.com/mEDjW7AUVK

— Aasir (@Aasirricherd) May 14, 2021

Sri Lanka Navy and SL Army flood relief teams continue to provide assistance to flood victims.
Photos via @srilanka_navy @Sri_Lanka_Army #LKA #SriLanka #FloodSL pic.twitter.com/4p36TQFiZI

— Sri Lanka Tweet  (@SriLankaTweet) May 16, 2021

#INPICS A truck carrying oxygen tanks and people recovering their belongings from their homes are some of the scenes captured by a Colombo Gazette photographer in parts of Colombo which were flooded today (Saturday) #Srilanka #lka #coronavirus #COVID19 #COVID19SL #Floods pic.twitter.com/n62TkJwSdO

— Easwaran Rutnam (@easwaranrutnam) May 15, 2021

Featured image credit: Sri Lanka Navy