Sri Lanka – Thousands Hit by Floods in Galle and Kalutara

Heavy rain and flash floods in Sri Lanka affected areas Galle and Kalutara Districts on 12 May, 2018. As much as 166 mm of rain was recorded in Galle in 24 hours to 12 May.

Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said over 8,000 people have been affected. As many as 7,742 people were affected in Galle District, with over 6,000 of them in Kadawathsathara. Over 140 houses in Balapitiya in Galle were damaged. In Kalutara District, 635 people were affected. No fatalities or injuries were reported.

Sri Lanka’s Meteorology Department forecast further rain and thundershowers over most provinces in the island for the next few days hours. Deraniyagala in Kegalle district, Sabaragamuwa Province, recorded 148.20mm in 24 hours to 13 May.

The south-western monsoon brings rain, often heavy rain, to the country between May and September. By late May last year flooding and landslides had affected over 400,000 and left 146 dead and 112 missing.

Social Media

Featured photo: File Photo of flooded homes in Sri Lanka. Credit: Sri Lanka Red Cross Society

Flood Summary

Last updated: May 18, 2018
Event
Galle and Kalutara, Sri Lanka, May 2018
Date
May 11 to May 13, 2018
Type
Flash flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

A - Galle
B - Kalutara

Magnitude

Rainfall level
166 mm in 24 hours
Galle - May 12 to May 12, 2018
Rainfall level
140.2 mm in 24 hours
Deraniyagala in Kegalle district - May 13 to May 13, 2018

Damages

Affected
8,000
Galle and Kalutara - May 11 to May 13, 2018
7,742 people were affected in Galle District
Buildings damaged
140 buildings
Balapitiya in Galle - May 11 to May 13, 2018