Sri Lanka Faces Catastrophic Flooding and Landslides

Severe flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka have led to a tragic death toll of 69, with 34 individuals reported missing. The Disaster Management Centre, or DMC, has indicated that many victims were buried alive in mudslides, particularly in the central region of the island, which has been hit hardest by the unprecedented rainfall.

Rescue operations are currently underway, involving troops and helicopters, as they work to save hundreds of people stranded by the rising waters. The Kelani River, which flows into the Indian Ocean near the capital Colombo, has overflowed its banks, exacerbating the crisis.

Reports indicate that some areas received up to 360 millimeters of rain in just 24 hours, with continuous rainfall expected due to the effects of Cyclone Ditwah. The DMC has stated that over 3,000 homes have been damaged, and more than 18,000 people have been displaced into temporary shelters.

Local residents, such as VSA Ratnayake from Kaduwela, near Colombo, described the flooding as potentially the worst in three decades, recalling previous floods that severely affected their homes. The situation is dire, with many individuals appealing for help as they find themselves trapped in their homes, with rising waters threatening their safety.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences for the loss of life in Sri Lanka and announced that India is sending aid to the affected regions. This calamity highlights the ongoing challenges Sri Lanka faces in terms of climate change and disaster preparedness, with experts warning that such extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent due to the climate crisis.

The DMC has noted that the death toll from this week's weather-related events is the highest since June of last year, when 26 lives were lost in similar circumstances. The worst flooding recorded in Sri Lanka since the year 2000 occurred in June 2003, resulting in 254 fatalities, emphasizing the severity of the current disaster.

As rescue efforts continue, the DMC expects that the flood levels could surpass those encountered in 2016, when 71 people lost their lives nationwide during heavy rains. The international community's response and support will be crucial as Sri Lanka navigates the immediate aftermath of this devastating natural disaster and plans for future resilience against climate-related challenges.