Turbulent weather affects over 230,000; landslide and flood warnings issued

Published

6 months ago

November 28, 2024

editor

Severe weather conditions across Sri Lanka have impacted 230,743 individuals from 66,947 families in 18 districts, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The turbulent weather has resulted in four deaths, nine injuries, and six missing persons, with 15,586 individuals relocated to temporary shelters.

Key Updates:

Property Damage: Eight houses have been completely destroyed, while 620 have been partially damaged.
Disrupted Infrastructure: A bridge collapse in Oluvil-Kalioda has disrupted traffic on the Akkaraipattu–Kalmunai Road, while several major roads, including the A-9 Road, have been flooded. Train services on multiple lines are suspended due to flooding and technical issues.
Tragic Incidents: Four bodies of schoolchildren swept away by floods in Ampara were recovered, with two still missing.

Alerts & Warnings:

Landslide Risks: The NBRO has issued red alerts for landslides in Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts, advising immediate evacuation. Amber and yellow alerts are in effect for several other districts.
Flood Warnings: Rivers, including Kelani, Nilwala, and Mahaweli, have overflowed, with flood warnings issued for low-lying areas. Minor floods are expected in Colombo and surrounding areas within the next 48 hours.

Emergency Services:

The Police and DMC have set up 24-hour operation centers and hotlines for public assistance, including a Tamil-speaking emergency hotline (107).
The Navy continues to conduct rescue operations, aiding stranded individuals, including tourists in Arugam Bay.

Weather Forecast:

The Meteorology Department predicts that the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal may intensify, bringing thundershowers exceeding 150mm to several districts.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant, avoid floodwaters, and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities.

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

8 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.