January 21, Colombo (LNW): Severe weather conditions have wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka, affecting 15 districts and leaving thousands of people displaced while causing widespread disruption.
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and associated disasters have impacted a total of 20,300 individuals from 6,785 families, with two confirmed fatalities and three people injured in separate incidents, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
The extreme weather, which has led to flooding, landslides, and other hazards, has forced many to evacuate their homes, particularly in regions vulnerable to landslides and flash floods.
Authorities have urged residents in these high-risk areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
In one of the key transport disruptions, the Kandy-Mahiyanganaya main road was temporarily closed last night due to the heightened threat of mudslides and rockfalls.
The road, which connects Kandy and the central highlands, was shut between the Thannekumbura Junction and Hasalaka Bridge Junction at 6:00 p.m. on January 20 as a safety measure.
Fortunately, the road has since been reopened, allowing traffic to resume, although authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Relief operations are currently underway, with local authorities, emergency services, and the police working in tandem to assist those affected by the adverse weather.
Efforts are focused on providing immediate aid, such as food, shelter, and medical assistance, while also addressing the long-term needs of displaced individuals.
The DMC has issued ongoing warnings, advising people in the impacted regions to remain cautious, particularly those living in areas prone to flash floods and landslides.
With the extreme weather expected to persist, authorities are urging residents to stay informed and follow updates to ensure their safety.
