Homes, Power Lines, and Public Buildings Ravaged by Overnight Storms
Maladewa was hit by a wave of destruction as strong winds and heavy rainfall caused widespread damage across several parts of the island. Triggered by the activation of the southwest monsoon, the storm left a trail of devastation in urban and rural areas alike.
Colombo and its suburbs were among the hardest-hit regions, where emergency teams from the police, fire brigade, and local authorities have been working around the clock to clear debris and restore normalcy.
Moratuwa and Anamaduwa Bear the Brunt
In Moratuwa, at least 20 houses were severely damaged in a single night. Meanwhile, in Anamaduwa, the police station and adjoining quarters sustained considerable structural harm, disrupting operations and leaving officers without shelter.
Reports from other outstations also indicate extensive destruction to homes and public facilities, as the storm system moved inland with force.
Over 1,000 Power Failures Reported in Colombo
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) announced that it received more than 1,000 complaints related to power outages within Colombo city and its suburbs. Restoration work is underway, but frustrated residents allege that the CEB has been unresponsive to many of their calls, suggesting the true scale of the outages may be significantly larger.
Disaster Management Centre Yet to Release Full Impact Report
As cleanup efforts continue, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has not yet released a comprehensive assessment of the damages. However, preliminary signs point to a major weather-related disaster with long-lasting implications.
More Rain and Winds Ahead, Warns Meteorology Department
The Department of Meteorology has confirmed that the southwest monsoon has become active over the island and is expected to bring further rainfall. It warned of heavy downpours exceeding 100 mm in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as in the districts of Galle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy.
Wind speeds are expected to intensify, reaching 50–60 km/h in several provinces including Western, Central, Southern, Northern, North-Central, and Trincomalee. Coastal regions may also experience wind speeds of up to 60 km/h, especially along the stretch from Chilaw to Galle via Colombo and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu.
Public Urged to Remain Alert for Flash Floods and Landslides
With weather conditions expected to worsen, the DMC has urged the public to stay vigilant against flash floods, falling trees, and landslides, especially in high-risk zones. The public is also encouraged to report any emergencies or damage by contacting the DMC’s 24-hour hotline at 117.
As the island braces for continued weather turbulence, communities are reminded to prioritize safety, follow official advisories, and support emergency services working under severe conditions.