The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has caused severe weather in Sri Lanka, displacing 143,726 people from 53,888 families, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) reported. Of those displaced, 116,209 individuals from 45,418 families are staying with relatives, while 27,517 people from 8,470 families are sheltered in 229 relief centers.
The adverse weather has inflicted widespread damage, completely destroying 103 houses and partially damaging 2,635. Overall, 479,871 people from 142,624 families across 24 districts have been affected.
The heavy rains have led to the opening of sluice gates at several reservoirs, including Deduru Oya, Per Aru, Ulhitiya Rathkinda, Polgolla, Nachchaduwa, Rajanganaya, Kalawewa, and Weheragala.
Flood risk alerts remain active for Kala Oya, Malwathu Oya, Heda Oya, Deduru Oya, Mahaweli River, and Mundeni Aru river basins.
The death toll from the extreme weather has risen to 17, with 20 injuries reported. Landslide warnings are in place for 72 Divisional Secretariat Divisions across nine districts, with Stage 2 alerts active in 43 areas in Kandy, Badulla, Kegalle, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya and the warnings are set to remain in effect until 4:00 p.m. today (December 1).
Those who require assistance due to adverse weather conditions to contact DMC emergency hotline 117 or other Emergency Numbers 0112 136 222 / 0112 670 002.
People can contact the 24-hour Police operation centre through the hotlines.
011 – 2027148, 011 – 2472757, 011 – 2430912, 011 – 2013051,
or 107 (Tamil-speaking)
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant as relief and recovery operations continue amid challenging weather.
