Colombo, Sri Lanka – November 27, 2025 — Sri Lanka is reeling from a severe bout of extreme weather, triggering a fast-growing humanitarian crisis. Over the last 24–48 hours, heavy rains, widespread flooding, and destructive landslides have devastated communities across the island. The death toll has risen to 31, with 14 people still missing, marking the country’s worst weather-related tragedy since June last year.

Rising Casualties and Worsening Impact

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that 31 fatalities have been reported since November 17. A day earlier, reports already listed 10 deaths, seven injuries, and more than 3,000 affected individuals. These figures have now sharply increased, showing the alarming pace at which the crisis is escalating.

The central hill-country districts have suffered the heaviest blow:

• Badulla – 18 deaths
• Nuwara Eliya – 4 deaths
• Kegalle – 7 deaths

Landslides continue to be the primary killer. In the steep terrain of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, 16 people were buried alive when saturated mountain slopes collapsed onto homes during the night.

A total of 4,008 people from 1,158 families across 17 districts have been affected, with more than 1,100 families forced into temporary shelters after their homes were destroyed or seriously damaged.

Storm System Strengthens — More Rain Ahead

The ongoing downpours are linked to a low-pressure system in the southwest Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a depression within the next 24–30 hours. If named, the system may be called “Ditwah.”

The Department of Meteorology warns of:

• Very heavy rainfall over 150 mm in Eastern, Central, and Uva Provinces and Polonnaruwa
• Rainfall exceeding 100 mm in several other regions
• Strong winds up to 50–60 km/h across the island

Authorities caution that the situation could deteriorate as the system edges closer to Sri Lanka.

Critical Alerts and Emergency Operations

Multiple warnings have been issued:

Landslide Alerts

The NBRO has issued Red Level evacuation warnings for:

• Badulla
• Nuwara Eliya
• Kandy
• Matale

Amber and Yellow alerts are in effect in several other districts.

Flood Warnings

A Red Flood Warning has been issued for downstream Gal Oya, as the Senanayaka Samudraya reservoir has reached full capacity.
Multiple zones along the Mahaweli River Basin are also at risk.

Maritime Advisory

Fishermen and naval communities have been strictly warned to avoid all surrounding sea areas due to dangerous conditions.

Emergency Hotlines

Residents are advised to stay vigilant and contact:
119 | 118 | 117

Disruptions Across the Island

The severe weather has caused heavy disruptions to daily life:

Education

The Department of Examinations has postponed the 2025 A/L exam scheduled for November 27 and 28.

Transportation

• Train services in the hill country have been suspended due to fallen trees, rocks, and mudslides.
• Major roads including Polonnaruwa–Batticaloa, Badulla–Mahiyanganaya, Badulla–Bibile, and Madolsima–Passara remain closed.
• One lane of the Kandy–Colombo Road at Pahala Kadugannawa has reopened, but travel remains risky.

Law Enforcement & Military Response

Police have urged motorists to avoid non-essential travel and ensure vehicle safety.
The Navy and Air Force have deployed boats and helicopters and are on standby for rescue missions in severely affected zones.

Climate Change and The Road Ahead

Climate experts warn that Sri Lanka’s increasing exposure to high-intensity monsoon events is a clear sign of climate change.
The severity of this disaster highlights the urgent need for:

• Stronger early-warning systems
• Improved infrastructure
• Better long-term disaster preparedness

As the nation braces for more rain and potential strengthening of the storm system, authorities urge the public to follow updates closely and prioritize safety above all else.