Heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka has led to widespread disruption, affecting nearly 3,000 people across 15 districts and resulting in two fatalities and one person reported missing. The ongoing severe weather has prompted authorities to issue flood and landslide warnings for several regions.
The National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) reported that 768 families in 90 Divisional Secretariat divisions have been impacted by weather-related incidents. Two injuries have been recorded, and 77 individuals from 21 families are currently being accommodated in three designated safe centers.
The Department of Irrigation extended flood warnings by 24 hours for the Gin Ganga and Nilwala River basins as of September 26, urging residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas to exercise caution. Flood levels remain minor on the Kalu, Gin, and Nilwala rivers, with the Kuda River—a tributary of the Kalu River—also reaching minor flood stage near Millakanda. In specific locations, the Kalu River poses a flood risk in Ratnapura and Magura, while the Gin River has reached minor flood levels in Baddegama. The Nilwala River also remains at minor flood levels in Panadugama and Thalgahagoda. Initial flood warnings for these river basins were issued early on September 24.
In parallel, the National Building Research Institute (NBRI) issued level 3 (red) landslide evacuation warnings for parts of Galle, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts due to ongoing rainfall. These warnings, effective from September 25 until the afternoon of September 26, call for the evacuation of residents in high-risk areas. Specifically, in Galle, the divisions of Neluwa, Nagoda, Niyagama, and Thawalama are under the highest alert level. In Kandy, Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, and Pasbage Korale have similarly been assigned red warnings. Nuwara Eliya’s Kothmale West, Ambagamuwa, Kotmale East, and Norwood Divisional Secretariat divisions are also included.
The NBRI cautioned that level 3 warnings indicate a significant risk of landslides, slope failures, rockfalls, and ground subsidence, recommending residents in affected areas move to safer locations if rainfall persists. Additional level 2 (amber) alerts cover parts of Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura districts, with Pelmadulla in Ratnapura recently upgraded to this category. Level 1 (yellow) warnings continue for areas in multiple districts including Colombo, Gampaha, Hambantota, Matara, and Kurunegala. The NBRI bases these warning levels on accumulated rainfall data and forecasts from the Department of Meteorology.
Authorities advise residents, particularly those living near steep slopes, man-made cut slopes, valleys, and historically landslide-prone areas, to remain vigilant. Warning signs such as ground cracks, leaning trees or utility poles, building damage on slopes, and sudden emergence of muddy water or springs should prompt immediate caution.
The Meteorological Department forecasts continued showers in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, along with the Galle, Matara, and Nuwara Eliya districts. Showers or thundershowers are also expected in Batticaloa, Ampara, and Uva provinces. Additionally, advisories have been issued for sporadic strong winds and lightning. Offshore winds are forecast to reach speeds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, with gusts potentially increasing to 50 to 60 kilometers per hour along the north-western and south-western coasts.