Sri Lanka: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across parts of the country as of Aug. 4 /update 1

Event

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in recent days associated with the current monsoon season are ongoing across parts of Sri Lanka as of Aug. 4. Over 20 cm (8 inches) of rain fell in parts of Nuwara Eliya District in Central Province Aug. 2. As of Aug. 3, Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre has reported three fatalities and three others missing following a landslide in Ambagamuwa in the district. Another fatality occurred due to flooding in Kandy District in Central Province, which has affected around 3,400 people. Other districts affected by severe weather include Galle and Hambantota in Southern Province, Kegalle and Ratnapura in Sabaragamuwa Province, and Kalutara in Western Province. As of Aug. 3, nearly 12,300 people have been affected by the severe weather, and more than 2,300 have been displaced to relief shelters. Around 300 homes have been damaged, many roads closed by landslides and flooding, transport services suspended, and schools closed.

The Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology has warned of further showers and strong winds Aug. 5, especially over southwestern areas. Heavy downpours and thunderstorms are possible in parts of Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts in Southern Province. Rainfall totals of around 10 cm (4 inches) are expected in Sabaragamuwa Province and Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts in Central province. Isolated downpours are also possible in Northern and North Central provinces. Winds of around 60 kph (37 mph) are forecast over the western slopes of the Central Hills and around 50 kph (31 mph) in parts of Northern, North Central, Western, North Western, and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee District in Eastern Province.

Due to recent rainfall and the further adverse weather forecast, the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Center has issued red level landslide early warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) across parts of Hambantota, Kegalle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura districts. Orange and yellow level landslide warnings have been issued in other parts of these districts, as well as parts of Galle, Kandy, and Matale districts. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The thunderstorms will be capable of producing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the country. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology
Sri Lanka Disaster Management Center