2024 Sri Lanka floods
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| Date | May–June 2024 |
|---|---|
| Location | Colombo, Ratnapura, Matara and Galle Districts, Sri Lanka |
| Cause | Heavy rainfall |
| Deaths | 16+ |
| Non-fatal injuries | 5+ |
| Property damage | 12,000+ homes |
| Displaced | 6,000+ evacuated |
Between May and June 2024, heavy monsoon rains in Sri Lanka would lead to flash floods, mudslides, and falling trees across the western and southern parts of the island.[1] The floods killed at least 16 people and affected 20 out of the country's 25 districts, with some areas reporting over 400 mm (16 in) of rain.[2][3][4] At least five people were injured by mudslides in Ratnapura, over 12,000 homes were damaged, and over 6,000 people needed to be evacuated.[4]
Casualties
Fifteen people were killed.[3] The dead include three members of the same family who drowned near the capital Colombo,[2] an 11-year-old girl. and a 20-year-old man who was buried alive in the mudslide, and nine others who were crushed to death by falling trees.[1]
Displacement
The floods displaced thousands of people. More than 5,000 people were taken to 52 temporary shelters.[5] About 4,000 homes were damaged, and 28 were completely destroyed.[3][6]
Education
The floods also affected education in the country. All schools in the country were closed as a result of the floods, affecting about 4 million children.[4]