Sri Lanka is facing a devastating weather crisis as severe storms and floods have displaced 276,550 people from 80,642 families across 141 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in 18 districts, according to the Disaster Management Center (DMC).
At a media briefing on November 27, Major General (Retd) Udaya Herath, Director General of the DMC, reported that the adverse conditions have resulted in five fatalities and six people missing as of yesterday.
Reservoir Overflow and Flood Warnings
The Irrigation Department, led by Director General Ajith Gunasekara, revealed that 37 out of 73 main reservoirs under the department's management are currently overflowing. Consequently, flood warnings have been issued for 12 major river basins, including Malwathu Oya, Kala Oya, Mahaweli Ganga, Maduru Oya, and others.
Water levels in the Kelani River, particularly at Hanwella and Nagalagamveediya, indicate minor flooding, posing risks to areas such as Seethawaka, Dompe, Kaduwela, and Kolonnawa.
Cyclone Threat from Bay of Bengal
The situation is expected to worsen as a pressure system in the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a cyclone, according to Athula Karunanayake, Director of the Meteorological Department. The cyclone is projected to make landfall in Tamil Nadu, India, on November 29-30, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Sri Lanka.
Red alerts have been issued, forecasting 100-150 millimeters of rainfall in districts such as Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar, and Kilinochchi, with winds reaching speeds of 60-70 km/h.
Agricultural Devastation
The extreme weather has caused widespread agricultural damage. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne reported that 4,800 acres of paddy fields and numerous vegetable and fruit crops have been destroyed. The affected crops include radish, kohlrabi, beetroot, and banana plantations, with over 2,000 paddy farmers and an additional 3,200 farmers suffering losses.
The government is assessing the damage and has pledged to provide relief to affected farmers.
Relief Efforts and Warnings
Authorities are actively coordinating relief measures for displaced families and monitoring the situation closely. The public is advised to:
- Stay vigilant in flood-prone and cyclone-affected regions.
- Follow updates from the DMC and Meteorological Department.
This crisis underscores the urgent need for robust disaster management strategies to address the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
As Sri Lanka battles the dual threats of severe floods and an impending cyclone, the focus remains on protecting lives, providing relief to affected communities, and mitigating long-term impacts. The government’s response and preparedness will play a crucial role in navigating this challenging period.
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