Colombo: Severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides, have left over 207,000 people from 17 districts across Sri Lanka grappling with the aftermath of nature’s fury. As of this morning, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reports that 59,629 families have been impacted, with 10,137 individuals currently displaced and seeking refuge in 104 safety shelters.
Casualties and Injuries
Tragically, the extreme weather has claimed one life, while eight others have been injured in weather-related incidents. Authorities are working tirelessly to prevent further loss of life as the adverse conditions persist.
Relief Efforts in Full Swing
Emergency response teams from the DMC, Sri Lanka Police, and Navy are actively assisting affected communities:
- Sri Lanka Police has set up a 24-hour operations centre to coordinate disaster response efforts. Hotlines and email services have been made available to address public concerns:
- Hotlines: 011-2027148, 011-2472757, 011-2430912, 011-2013051
- Email: disaster.ops@police.gov.lk
- A dedicated Tamil-language hotline (107) has been introduced to ensure effective communication with minority communities.
- Sri Lanka Navy is providing on-ground support, with teams deployed in disaster-hit areas and additional personnel on standby.
- DMC Support: The primary emergency hotline, 117, remains operational alongside 0112 136 222 and 0112 670 002 for immediate assistance.
Current Challenges
- Flooding and Landslides:
Low-lying regions have been submerged, and landslides in hilly areas have disrupted transportation and communication. - Evacuations:
Authorities are actively relocating residents from high-risk zones to safety shelters. - Resource Allocation:
Relief efforts are focused on providing essential supplies like food, water, and medical care to displaced families.
Public Safety Guidelines
The public is urged to:
- Follow weather updates from the Meteorological Department.
- Evacuate if residing in flood-prone or landslide-risk areas.
- Avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways to ensure personal safety.
How You Can Help
Organizations and individuals wishing to support relief efforts can contact local authorities or the Disaster Management Centre. Contributions in the form of food, medical supplies, or monetary aid are crucial during this crisis.
For more updates, stay tuned to our website as we bring you the latest developments.
