A severe weather system affecting the southwestern region of Sri Lanka has caused widespread destruction across 104 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in 13 districts, impacting at least 4,623 people, according to the Disaster Management Center (DMC). Relief operations are currently underway for those affected.
The Department of Meteorology has forecasted continued showers in the southwest today, with a risk of strong winds in several areas. The adverse weather has already resulted in significant property damage, power outages, and disruptions to daily life.
Falling trees due to high winds have damaged power lines in Walasmulla, Horewela, Agalabada, and Udahagoda. The Electricity Board is working to restore supply, although more than 230 power line failures have been reported in the Hingurakgoda area alone. The power supply to Kotagala and Talawakelle has been completely disrupted following the collapse of a high-voltage line between Hatton and Talawakelle.
In Bandaragama, over 15 houses were damaged, primarily due to falling trees. Similar incidents have been reported in Nagoda, Wanduramba, Yatalamatta, and Mapalagama, with damage to a building and a wall at Nagoda Primary School. In Welimada, over 60 homes were affected by the combined force of heavy rain and wind.
In Gampaha district, 327 families have been impacted. However, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that due to proactive disaster planning by the District Coordination Committee, damage was minimized.
A house in Hingurakgoda suffered severe damage when a large tree fell on it. In Northernbridge, access to the Wimalasurendra Hydropower Plant has been cut off due to a tree blocking the road.
A tragic incident occurred in Pilimatalawa town when an old building collapsed on a three-wheeler, injuring one person who has been hospitalized.
Infrastructure has also been affected elsewhere, including damage to the Horana Police Station and the partial collapse of the roof of the Balapitiya Registrar's Office. The main road between Horana and Matugama was briefly blocked in the Wewala area due to fallen trees.
The fishing industry is also facing disruption. Fishermen from Kalpitiya to Puttalam and Wennappuwa are refraining from going to sea, with coastal piers and markets lying deserted. The same advisory has been issued for the Galle area, turning fishing zones into temporary no-go areas.
Authorities assure the public that relief and restoration efforts are ongoing. The DMC has pledged to provide immediate assistance to all those affected.
