Sri Lanka swayed by heavy flash flood affecting over 8000 people

Colombo, May 15: Lashes of heavy rainfall swayed and created havoc in Sri Lanka's Galle and Kalutara districts, affecting around 8000 people. Several people had been evacuated from their homes due to the heavy downpour, but as the rains had ceased by Monday morning, the situation was normalizing.

Disaster Management Centre's spokesperson Pradeep Kodippilli said that nearly 7,740 people in Galle District and 635 people in Kalutara District were affected by the flood situation. He said no casualties or damages were reported but those living in low areas were urged to be vigilant. More rains were expected on Monday night.

Sri Lanka's Meteorological Department said showers or thundershowers would occur over most provinces of the island country by Monday evening. Heavy rainfall was also expected at some places, particularly in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and Western provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Vauniya districts.

Sri Lanka, which has been heavily deforested for cash crops, often witnesses landslides during the monsoon season.
The monsoons, which hit Sri Lanka in May 2017, caused heavy flooding and landslides in several districts resulting in over 200 deaths while thousands were displaced. Last year, heavy floods and landslides triggered by the worst rainfall killed at least 92 people and left 110 missing.