Flooding in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is currently facing severe flooding, landslides, and rockfalls due to heavy monsoon rains. The central, southern, and western regions, including Colombo, Galle, Matara, and Ratnapura, have been particularly hard-hit. Rivers have overflowed, damaging infrastructure, submerging crops, and displacing thousands of people.

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has identified approximately 15,000 families living in high-risk landslide and rockfall zones. Nine deaths have been reported, and many areas remain isolated. Landslides and collapsed structures are complicating rescue efforts, while rising water levels in rivers and reservoirs pose ongoing risks, especially in low-lying settlements.

The ongoing northeast monsoon is expected to persist, further intensifying flooding and extending the affected areas. Climate change is believed to be contributing to the increased rainfall, heightening future risks.

 

Type of event
Flood, Landslide, Storm
Location of event
Sri Lanka
Date of Charter Activation
2025-11-26
Time of Charter Activation
21:16
Time zone of Charter Activation
UTC+05:30
Charter Requestor
Disaster Management Centre on behalf of Disaster Managment Centre
Activation ID
1005
Project Management
Samanmali Matharaarachchi (Disaster Management Centre - DMC)
Value Adding
-