Sri Lanka: 177 killed in flooding and mudslides as of May 30 /update 3

Event

Floods, mudslides, and landslides triggered by monsoon rains in Sri Lanka have killed at least 177 people as of Tuesday, May 30. Around 104 people are still missing and nearly 90 have been injured.

According to the Disaster Management Center, over 400,000 people have been affected by torrential rains and strong winds ongoing since May 24, with 75,000 people displaced. The districts of Ratnapura and Kalutara have been the worst affected, with some 400 houses completely destroyed and 4200 others damaged.

Rain and winds are expected to subside by Wednesday, May 31, but winds up to 60 km/h (40 mph) are forecast for Tuesday; thunderstorms are forecast in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North Western, and Central provinces.

Context

The tropical depression affecting Sri Lanka since May 24 evolved into Cyclone Mora on May 29, which made landfall in Bangladesh on May 30.

The southwest monsoon typically affects Sri Lanka in May and June. The Department of Meteorology issued a warning on May 27, stating that the southwest monsoon had established itself over the country, and warning naval and fishing communities to be vigilant. This year’s torrential rains are the worst in 14 years.

Advice

Individuals present in affected regions are advised to follow instructions issued by local authorities, particularly evacuation orders, and to keep abreast of weather forecasts. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.