Report: Disaster Death Toll Rises to 366; Hanguranketha, Ududumbara Face Unexpected Tragedies

 Landslides and floods have been reported from several districts across the island due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, and according to the latest data released by the Disaster Management Centre, the total number of deaths has risen to 366.

During today's operations to find individuals missing after a landslide in the Agonawa area of Hanguranketha, another 11 bodies were recovered, bringing the total number of bodies found at that site to 13. A tense situation also arose between a local public representative and officials during the transportation of these bodies for burial and amidst disaster relief efforts.

In Gangoda, Ududumbara, Kandy, the bodies of seven individuals from the same household who went missing in a landslide have been recovered,

and approximately 23 more people are reported missing. Furthermore, operations are ongoing to find those missing from the Indulgoda Kanda landslide in Kurunegala, where the bodies of 9 individuals have been recovered, with three confirmed to be members of the same family.

An elder care home in the Makandura area of Pannala, Kurunegala District, has been submerged due to the overflowing Ma Oya, and 12 elderly residents lost their lives in this sudden disaster. Local residents managed to rescue others, and they state that such a severe flood situation has occurred in this area after approximately 51 years.

According to data from the Disaster Management Centre, the highest number of deaths, 88, has been reported from Kandy District, followed by 75 deaths from Nuwara Eliya District and 71 deaths from Badulla District. Authorities state that over 1.1 million people from 316,366 families across the island have been affected, and 218,526 individuals are housed in 1,564 safe locations.

The National Building Research Organisation has further extended the landslide red notices issued for 70 Divisional Secretariat divisions across 7 districts. Due to heavy rainfall, the soil is saturated with water, and therefore, even if the rain stops, landslides,

rockfalls, and slope failures may occur. The organisation urges the public not to return to their homes until authorities confirm that it is safe.

Traffic on several main roads has been disrupted due to landslides and earth slips, with the Kandy - Mahiyanganaya Rajamawatha completely blocked at 4 locations. On the Hatton - Colombo main road, sections at Hatton, Shannon, Watawala, Diyagala, and Kalugala are blocked due to earth slips, and people in many areas, including Yatiyantota, Seepoth, and Berannawa, are facing severe difficulties due to road blockages.

The police emphasize that the public was greatly disturbed by false rumors spread on social media claiming that the Kotmale Dam was breaking amidst the disaster, and severe legal action will be taken against those who create such false news. The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into this matter.

The government has decided to provide an advance payment of Rs. 10,000 for cleaning disaster-affected homes, regardless of ownership, and relevant circulars have been issued. Meanwhile, due to the prevailing situation at the Colombo Port, authorities have taken steps to divert a ship carrying 3955 metric tons of gas to Hambantota Port for unloading operations.