Sri Lanka: Disruptions due to severe weather ongoing across several parts of the country as of Oct. 17

Event

Disruptions due to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning are ongoing across many parts of Sri Lanka as of Oct. 17. Heavy downpours have triggered flooding and landslides in several areas in recent days, with some areas receiving daily rainfall totals of over 10 cm (4 inches). As of Oct. 17, Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre has reported one fatality due to lightning in Trincomalee District in Eastern province and two further fatalities due to landslides in Kegalle District in Sabaragamuwa. More than 61,000 people across the country have been affected by the adverse weather and over 5,000 have been evacuated to emergency shelters. More than 200 homes have been damaged and five have been destroyed. Western Province is amongst the worst affected areas, with more than 54,000 people affected and nearly 2,000 evacuated in the districts of Kalutara, Gampaha, and Colombo.

The Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology has warned of further showers and thunderstorms in parts of Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts in Southern Province Oct. 17-18. A heavy rainfall advisory has been issued over the affected area as of Oct. 17 and rainfall totals of around 7.5 cm (3 inches) are forecast in parts of the affected area Oct. 18. Further showers and thunderstorms are possible throughout the rest of the country in the coming days. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
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