Worst flash floods in 50 years hit southern Sri Lanka

[May 19, 2003 - 10.00 GMT]  

Flash floods said to be the worst in 50 years have caused havoc in the Southern regions of Sri Lanka. Several parts of the country were plunged into chaos and turmoil as rains battered several districts during the last few days killing more than a hundred people, while some 500 were reported missing and at least 150,000 people were left homeless.

Most victims were buried alive when mountain slopes came crashing down on their homes in the worst affected Ratnapura district of the island.

Ratnapura experienced about twelve major earth slips apart from several mudslides burying several homes leaving some 125, 000 people homeless in what was believed to be the worst recorded rain disaster since 1947.

Though officials hoped the floods would subside soon if weather patterns changed, the Met department warned yesterday rains would continue in the affected areas and also in the Western province during the next few days.

Ratnapura water levels that rose to more than eight feet on Saturday night however were decreasing by yesterday evening. 

Further south, the towns of Galle, Matata, Hambantota and Tangalle received the highest ever rainfall since 1968 leaving several thousands homeless and some hundreds feared dead.

The Army, Navy and police were at full strength evacuating people to safety while several organizations distributed food and other items to the tens of thousands of people who took refuge in temples, mosques and other institutions.

PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to gosl@presidentsl.org with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: May 19, 2003  - 10.00 GMT.