The 2024 Sri Lanka floods were a natural disaster resulting from heavy monsoon rains, causing flash floods, mudslides, and falling trees.[1] The floods killed at least 16 people and affected 20 out of the country's 25 districts, with some areas reporting over 400 mm (16 in) of rain.[2][3][4] At least five people were injured by mudslides in Ratnapura, over 12,000 homes were damaged, and over 6,000 people needed to be evacuated.[4]
| Date | May 2024-June 2024 |
|---|---|
| Location | Colombo, Rathnapura, Matara and Galle districts, Sri Lanka |
| Cause | Heavy rainfall |
| Deaths | 16+ |
| Non-fatal injuries | 5+ |
| Property damage | 12,000+ homes |
| Displaced | 6,000+ evacuated |
Impact
editCasualties
editFifteen people were killed.[3] The dead include three members of the same family who drowned near the capital Colombo,[2] an 11-year-old girl. and a 20-year-old man who was buried alive in the mudslide, and nine others who were crushed to death by falling trees.[1]
Displacement
editThe floods displaced thousands of people. More than 5,000 people were taken to 52 temporary shelters.[5] About 4,000 homes were damaged, and 28 were completely destroyed.[3][6]
Education
editThe floods also affected education in the country. All schools were closed as a result of the floods, affecting about 4 million children.[4]
Response
editThe army was mobilised to provide relief to the affected people.[6] Rescue teams were deployed in the affected areas and essential items were provided to the children and families. Save the Children supported the government's response efforts.[3]
Aftermath
editThe aftermath of the flood saw rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts. Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe indicated that houses destroyed by the flood would be rebuilt within two months with the help of the armed forces, police, and government.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b "Sri Lanka monsoon floods kill 14, schools shut". France 24. 2 June 2024. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Sri Lanka monsoon floods kill seven people". www.bbc.com. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Floods in Sri Lanka Kill 15 People and Force Four Million Children Out of Classrooms". Save the Children. 3 June 2024. Archived from the original on 4 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ a b c "Sri Lanka closes schools as the death toll from floods and mudslides rises to 16". AP News. 3 June 2024. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ "Deadly floods, landslides in Sri Lanka displace thousands". 3 June 2024.
- ^ a b Mishra, Stuti (3 June 2024). "Sri Lanka: Floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall kill 15". The Independent. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ "Sri Lanka to halt illegal landfills, relocate hospitals in flood-prone areas: President". EconomyNext. 4 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.