Flooding in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka faced severe flooding, landslides, and rockfalls due to heavy monsoon rains. The central, southern, and western regions, including Colombo, Galle, Matara, and Ratnapura, were particularly hard hit. Rivers overflowed, damaging infrastructure, submerging crops, and displacing thousands of people.

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) identified approximately 15,000 families living in high-risk landslide and rockfall zones. Nine deaths were reported, and many areas remained isolated. Landslides and collapsed structures complicated rescue efforts, while rising water levels in rivers and reservoirs posed ongoing risks, particularly in low-lying settlements.

The northeast monsoon was expected to persist, further intensifying flooding and expanding the affected areas. Climate change was believed to have contributed to the increased rainfall, heightening future risks.