The country is grappling with one of its worst weather disasters in recent years. Torrential rains and landslides have so far claimed more than 40 lives, left 14 others missing, and displaced thousands more across 17 districts. The hardest-hit areas include Badulla, Kegalle, and Nuwara Eliya Districts, with Badulla alone recording 18 fatalities.

According to the latest reports as of last night, over 4,000 individuals from 1,158 families have been affected. Three houses were destroyed while 381 sustained partial damage. At least 131 displaced residents are currently accommodated in five safe locations. Ten people have also sustained injuries.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any emergencies through the 117 hotlines, as relief efforts continue with cooked meals, dry rations, and medical assistance prioritised for affected communities.

Rail services along the Eastern and Matale lines have been suspended or severely delayed due to submerged tracks, landslides, and fallen trees, while the Kelani Valley Line has experienced further delays. Motorists have been advised to avoid the Colombo–Kandy and Kandy–Nuwara Eliya main roads, which remain closed due to ground instability. The Polonnaruwa–Batticaloa road has been closed until safety assessments are completed.

In a dramatic incident in Kumbukkana, a passenger bus became trapped in rising floodwaters. Emergency teams successfully rescued all 23 passengers without serious injuries. Authorities warn that sudden floods are likely to continue throughout the day.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued red-alert landslide warnings for eight high-risk districts, urging residents of hillside and flood-prone areas to remain on high alert and be prepared for immediate evacuation. Rugam in Batticaloa District recorded over 300 millimetre of rainfall in a short period, intensifying the risk of landslides and flash floods.

Meteorologists say a deep low-pressure zone dominating the country continues to strengthen, drawing moisture from surrounding seas and causing repeated heavy rainfall over central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and eastern regions. Rainfall exceeding 200 mm is projected in several districts, further heightening the risk of floods and landslides.

Ongoing rainfall has undermined critical infrastructure. The right side of the Bentota old bridge has collapsed, and engineers are assessing the damage. Reservoirs, including Senanayake Samudra, have reached full capacity, prompting flood warnings for downstream communities.

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has advised households to report outages and downed power lines through its CEBCare app or web portal to speed up restoration efforts.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) continues to coordinate with local authorities, the Tri-Forces, police, and district officials to ensure timely relief and evacuation measures.

Officials urge the public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in hilly or flood-prone areas, to report emergencies promptly via the 117 hotline and to keep essential supplies ready and remain attentive to official warnings.

With relief operations underway and warnings in place, authorities continue to stress the need for vigilance as Sri Lanka faces a prolonged period of heavy rains and accompanying landslide threats, especially in high elevations.

By Norman Palihawadane, Chaminda Silva, Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon