2017 Sri Lanka floods
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The 2017 Sri Lanka floods resulted from a heavy southwest monsoon, beginning around 18 to 19 May 2017.[1] Flooding was worsened by the arrival of the precursor system to Cyclone Mora,[2] causing flooding and landslides throughout Sri Lanka during the final week of May 2017.[3] The floods affected 15 districts, killed at least 208 people and left a further 78 people missing. As of 3 June, 698,289 people were affected, while 11,056 houses were partially damaged and another 2,093 houses completely destroyed.[4] According to Al Jazeera, about 600,000 people have been displaced due to the floods.[5]
Date | May 2017 |
---|---|
Location | 15 districts of Sri Lanka |
Cause | Flood and Landslide |
Deaths | 224 |
Non-fatal injuries | 72 |
Missing | 78 |
Property damage | 2,093 houses fully and 11,056 houses partially destroyed |
The flooding severely affected Sri Lanka's Western Province, Sabaragamuwa Province, Southern Province and part of Central Province.[6] The worst-affected districts were Kalutara,[3] Matara and Ratnapura.[7] In Kalutara, flooding of the Kalu River also triggered several mudflows.[8] Agalawatte, a town within Kalutara District, reported 47 deaths and 62 people missing as of 29 May, with many areas made inaccessible by landslides.[6] The Ratnapura District had recorded 79 deaths by 30 May.[7]