Sri Lanka Grapples with Deadly Floods and Landslides as Death Toll Reaches 56

Sri Lanka has been plunged into a severe crisis as widespread floods and devastating landslips have claimed the lives of 56 people, prompting the closure of government offices and schools across the island nation. The heavy downpours intensified significantly on Thursday, November 27, 2025, exacerbating conditions that began to deteriorate earlier in the week, as reported by The Hindu on Friday.

The relentless weather, driven by Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, has also left 21 individuals missing and 14 injured, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The storm is currently moving across Sri Lanka's eastern region and is projected to head towards Tamil Nadu, India, as noted by Al Arabiya.

Central mountainous regions, particularly Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, have borne the brunt of the landslips, accounting for over 25 fatalities. The Associated Press reported on Thursday that 21 people were also missing from these tea-growing areas, located approximately 300 kilometers east of the capital, Colombo.

The extensive damage spans homes, agricultural fields, and critical infrastructure, with more than 600 houses partially damaged and four completely destroyed. Overflowing reservoirs and rivers have rendered numerous roads and railway tracks impassable, severely disrupting transportation and rescue efforts, as detailed by the Daily Mirror.

In response to the escalating disaster, Sri Lankan authorities have deployed military personnel for relief and rescue operations, utilizing helicopters, navy boats, and armored carriers to evacuate stranded villagers, Al Arabiya confirmed. India has also extended assistance, deploying helicopters from INS Vikrant, currently docked in Colombo, to aid in the ongoing efforts, The Hindu reported on Friday.

The Department of Meteorology has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall, with some areas recording over 300 mm in the past 24 hours, significantly increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides, according to newswire. This persistent low-pressure system continues to feed moisture-heavy winds across the island, keeping soil saturated and slopes unstable, the Daily Mirror added.

• Historical Context of Natural Disasters: Sri Lanka has a long history of experiencing floods and landslides, with records dating back over a century, as highlighted by an analysis in the Daily Mirror. Major flood events have been documented in colonial archives and post-independence records, with significant incidents occurring in 1913, 1940, 1947, and 1957, often linked to the overflowing of major rivers like the Kelani, Kalu, Gin, and Mahaweli. The island's geography and climate make it inherently vulnerable to such events, which are further exacerbated by human activities like deforestation.

• Climate Change Implications: Experts warn that climate change is intensifying Sri Lanka's vulnerability to extreme weather events. Research indicates that while some areas may see reduced overall rainfall, the intensity of downpours is increasing, leading to more flash floods and landslides, according to studies on climate change impacts. The World Bank's Climate Change Knowledge Portal projects shorter, more intense bursts of rain for Sri Lanka, increasing the likelihood of severe flooding.

• Government and International Response: The Sri Lankan government has taken immediate steps, including closing offices and schools, and deploying the military for rescue operations. Parliament has even postponed its national budget debate to focus on disaster response and relief efforts, as reported by the Daily Mirror. International aid is also being mobilized, with India providing helicopter support for rescue missions, The Hindu confirmed.

• Impact on Communities and Infrastructure: The current disaster has affected nearly 44,000 people across 17 districts, with many displaced and seeking shelter in temporary centers, according to the Disaster Management Centre. Beyond the immediate loss of life and homes, the widespread damage to roads and railway lines severely impedes aid delivery and economic activity, with train services suspended on all routes, the Daily Mirror noted.

• Ongoing Rescue and Relief Operations: The Sri Lanka Navy has been actively involved in relief operations since November 22, evacuating over 900 people from flood-affected areas by November 27, and clearing debris from roads, The Island newspaper reported. Rescue teams are prioritizing high-risk regions where communication and access have been disrupted due to landslides, as highlighted by Anadolu Ajansi.

• Future Outlook and Preparedness: The Meteorology Department projects continued heavy rainfall, with warnings of potential major flood situations in river valleys like the Kelani River over the next 48 hours. Authorities have issued evacuation red-alerts in several high-risk districts, urging residents in vulnerable zones to prepare for immediate relocation, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by saturated hillsides and unstable slopes, the Daily Mirror stated.