More than 31,000 people across eight districts have been affected by the adverse weather conditions currently impacting several parts of Sri Lanka, according to the latest update released by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
The DMC stated that a total of 31,072 individuals belonging to 7,983 families have been affected due to heavy rainfall, flooding, and related disaster situations reported from multiple regions around the country.
Among the affected districts, Gampaha District has recorded the highest number of impacted residents. Authorities said 15,313 individuals from 3,950 families in the district have been affected by the severe weather conditions. One death has also been reported from the district in connection with the ongoing disaster situation.
The prevailing bad weather has caused widespread disruptions to transportation, residential areas, schools, and daily activities, particularly in low-lying regions vulnerable to flooding. Flooded roads, overflowing canals, fallen trees, and temporary displacements have been reported from several affected locations over the past few days.
According to the DMC report, Puttalam District has recorded 4,265 affected individuals from 1,219 families, while Colombo District reported 4,566 affected persons from 1,571 families.
In Ratnapura District, 4,558 individuals from 1,204 families have also been impacted as rivers and low-lying areas continue experiencing rising water levels following continuous rainfall.
Meanwhile, smaller numbers of affected residents have also been reported from several other districts.
The Kalutara District has recorded 73 affected persons from 15 families, while 80 individuals from 20 families in Trincomalee District have also been impacted by the prevailing weather conditions.
Additionally, seven individuals from three families in Galle District and three persons from one family in Vavuniya District have been reported as affected.
The Disaster Management Centre further stated that two houses have been completely destroyed due to the disaster situation, while 859 houses have suffered partial damage caused by flooding, heavy rainfall, and weather-related incidents.
Authorities have urged the public to remain highly vigilant, especially residents living near rivers, canals, reservoirs, and landslide-prone areas. Emergency response teams, including disaster relief officials, police personnel, and members of the tri-forces, continue monitoring the evolving situation while providing assistance to affected communities.
For Sri Lanka, severe monsoon weather and flooding remain recurring national challenges, particularly during periods of intense rainfall linked to low-pressure systems and monsoon activity. Flooding and landslides regularly disrupt transportation, agriculture, education, and economic activities across multiple districts during heavy rainy seasons.
The DMC has also requested the public to closely follow weather advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and flooding risks.
Meanwhile, several schools, roads, and transport routes in affected districts have experienced temporary closures and disruptions due to waterlogging and safety concerns. Officials warn that continued rainfall over the coming days could further increase the risk of flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Weather authorities have forecast that showers and thundershowers are expected to continue across several parts of the island, while disaster management teams continue conducting relief operations, evacuations where necessary, and damage assessments in affected districts.
What happens next will largely depend on upcoming weather patterns and how quickly water levels recede in flood-prone regions over the next few days.
