Death Toll Climbs to 159 In Sri Lanka Flood Disaster

COLOMBO (News 1st); Torrential rains have unleashed catastrophic floods and landslides across Sri Lanka , leaving communities shattered and rescue teams racing against time.

The human toll continues to rise, with 159 confirmed deaths and 203 individuals still missing.

According to the latest Disaster Management Center update, 833,985 people from 234,503 families have been affected nationwide. Authorities have opened 919 safety centers, now sheltering over 122,000 displaced people.

Entire districts remain submerged. Gampaha, the worst-hit, reports 197,144 affected residents, while Puttalam struggles with 135,922 victims.

Mannar, Colombo, and Batticaloa are also severely impacted, with thousands stranded as floodwaters swallow roads and homes.

The central highlands have borne the brunt of deadly landslides. Badulla and Kandy record the highest fatalities—52 deaths each, with dozens still missing. Matale, Kurunegala, and Nuwara Eliya report multiple landslides, cutting off vital routes and isolating villages. In Kotmale and Mahiyanganaya, entire communities remain unreachable as communication lines collapse.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with the Tri-Forces deploying helicopters, boats, and ground teams to evacuate stranded families. However, worsening weather conditions threaten to escalate the crisis further.

Government officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid flood-prone areas, as forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall in several districts.