Sri Lanka: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across many parts of the country regions as of Oct. 16

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Sri Lanka as of Oct. 16 Heavy rainfall in decent days associated with the Northeast Monsoon has triggered widespread flooding in many areas, with Colombo and other southern areas of the country amongst the worst affected. The Sri Lanka Disaster Management Center (DMC) has reported two weather-related fatalities in Colombo District and one in Kalutara District, as well as two others injured in Kegalle District. Nearly 138,000 people have been affected and more than 9,500 displaced across 13 districts. More than 300 homes and other buildings have been damaged by flooding and several roads have been made impassable by floodwaters. Schools have been closed in many of the affected areas, including Colombo.

Further adverse weather is forecast across much of Sri Lanka Oct. 16, before conditions are expected to gradually improve from Oct. 17. The Sri Lanka Meteorological Department has forecast showers and thunderstorms across much of the country Oct. 16, with rainfall totals of more than 5 cm (2 inches) possible in places. Orange and yellow landslide warnings (the middle and lowest levels in a three-tier scale) are in place across parts of Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura districts. Heavy rainfall, strong wind, and rough sea warnings are also in place for coastal waters in the southwest Bay of Bengal.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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.

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.