Mini Storm Ravages Colombo and Surrounding Districts, Causing Widespread Damage

 


A sudden mini storm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall swept through Colombo;Sri Lanka and several neighboring districts today, leaving a trail of destruction and disruption across the region.


The violent weather event resulted in multiple injuries, property damage, and significant interruptions to daily life. At a garment factory in Dematagoda, the collapse of a boundary wall injured three individuals, including two women, highlighting the storm’s severity. In the Grandpass area, a large tree toppled near the police station, damaging six residential houses. Similar incidents of fallen trees and debris were reported in Maligawatta, where several vehicles sustained damage.


Railway services faced major setbacks as fallen trees and downed power lines obstructed all principal lines, including the Coastal, Main, Chilaw, and Kelani Valley routes. Railway authorities have deployed teams to clear the tracks and restore services as quickly as possible.


The Ceylon Electricity Board reported widespread power outages across affected districts. Emergency crews were dispatched to repair damaged lines, and the public was urged to report outages promptly through the CEBCare app or hotline.


The Department of Meteorology issued urgent warnings, forecasting continued heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm in the next 24 hours, particularly in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Galle, and Matara districts. Residents were advised to exercise caution, avoid travel in vulnerable areas, and prepare for possible flooding and further storm activity.


Over 1,700 people across nine districts have been impacted by the storm, with local authorities coordinating relief efforts to assist those affected.


In addition to the storm’s immediate effects, the Department of Meteorology issued a Red Alert for rough seas and strong winds in coastal areas from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai and from Galle to Pottuvil. Wind speeds are expected to reach 60–70 km/h, prompting a strong advisory for fishermen and coastal communities to remain ashore and take necessary precautions.


This unexpected storm underscores the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the need for heightened preparedness and rapid response mechanisms.


Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the public to stay informed through official channels as recovery efforts proceed.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LTTE’s Use of Child Soldiers: A Grave Violation of Human Rights

Image
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) stand condemned not only for their violent insurgency but also for their ruthless exploitation of children as soldiers during Sri Lanka’s civil war.  While the conflict officially ended in 2009, the scars left by the LTTE’s forced recruitment of thousands of children remain a painful reminder of their terror tactics. During the war, the LTTE systematically abducted and conscripted children-some as young as 11 or 12-forcing them into brutal military training and deploying them on front lines.  Human Rights Watch reported that children were often taken from their homes at night or seized while going to school, with families threatened or beaten if they resisted.  Once recruited, these children faced harsh discipline, exposure to violence, and were denied contact with their families. UNICEF documented thousands of such cases, with estimates suggesting the actual numbers were even higher due to underreporting. The LTTE’s use of chil...
Read more

Former UK Cabin Crew Member Arrested in Sri Lanka with £1.15 Million Cannabis Haul

Image
Sri Lankan authorities have detained Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old former air stewardess from South London, at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo on charges of attempting to smuggle 46 kilograms of cannabis into the country. The drugs, valued at approximately £1.15 million, were found packed in vacuum-sealed bags inside two large suitcases after Lee arrived on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand. Officials from the Customs Narcotics Control Unit described the seizure as the largest amount of Kush cannabis ever discovered at the airport. Kush is a potent strain often mixed with synthetic substances and is believed to be destined for high-end buyers within Sri Lanka. Lee, who previously worked for TUI Group and has recently been training as a beautician, remains in custody while investigations continue. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is providing consular support to Lee and is in contact with her family and Sri Lankan authorities. Friends of Le...
Read more

From Buenos Aires to the Vatican: Pope Francis

Image
Author, Miyuru Rasoj Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013. As the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to assume the papacy, he has brought a distinctive voice to the global stage—one rooted in humility, mercy, and a deep concern for the poor and marginalized. Early Life and Path to Priesthood Francis was born to Italian immigrant parents in a working-class neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Growing up, he developed a strong faith and a deep compassion for those in need. In 1958, at the age of 21, he entered the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. The Jesuits, known for their educational, missionary, and charitable work, left a lasting impact on him. Their emphasis on service, social justice, and intellectual pursuit shaped his worldview. After being ordained a priest in 1969, he went on to hold several leadership roles in the Jesuit community ...
Read more