Heavy rains and flooding have struck the island, as a cyclone develops in the Bay of Bengal with Tamils across the North-East preparing to mark Maaveerar Naal on Wednesday.
According to the Disaster Management Centre, over 77,670 people from 22,532 families across 15 districts have been affected by the inclement weather. One person has lost their life, and five others have been injured. Relief efforts are underway, with 2,770 individuals from 821 families currently sheltered in emergency relief centres.
The cyclone has caused significant damage to property, with six houses fully collapsed and 265 partially damaged, adding to the hardship faced by those impacted.
“Very heavy showers and strong gusty winds” are expected in the Northern and Eastern provinces, as well as North-central, North-western and Central provinces on November 27th.
Mannar’s paddy fields submerged
The Mannar district is the hardest hit, with 48,295 people from 13,860 families affected by relentless rains over the past four days. Government Agent, K. Kanageswaran, said thousands sought refuge in 22 shelters, with efforts underway to provide cooked meals and essential supplies to those displaced.
The devastation extends to Mannar's agriculture, with 5,888 acres of paddy fields—nearly 60% of the district's cultivated land—damaged or destroyed. Authorities are closely monitoring the Katukkarai reservoir, which is dangerously close to overflowing, raising fears of further flooding.
Vavuniya faces crisis
In Vavuniya, authorities are on high alert as another reservoir risks bursting due to continuous rains. Assistant Commissioner of Agricultural Development, Wimalarupan, warned that the reservoir is overflowing, and rising water levels pose the danger of a dam failure, which could trigger cascading effects on nearby water bodies. Villagers living downstream have been advised to remain vigilant and prepare for evacuation.
Flooding has also inundated key government buildings and disrupted transport in the region. The Vavuniya Immigration and Emigration Department, the Nursing College, and other government offices have been submerged. Mannar Road has been rendered impassable due to rising floodwaters, leaving many stranded.
Mullaitivu at breaking point
In Mullaitivu, one of the district's largest reservoirs, Muthu Aiyankattu, is nearing capacity, prompting the opening of sluice gates to prevent catastrophic flooding. The Mullaitivu Disaster Management Unit has issued red alerts, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate and stay away from riverbanks.
Puthukkudiyiruppu, a key town in the district, has been severely affected, with commuters and traders struggling as floodwaters inundate homes and businesses. Over 100 reservoirs in Mullaitivu and Vavuniya have reached full capacity, exacerbating the risk of further flooding.
The cyclone comes as millions of Tamils across the North-East prepare to mark Maaveerar Naal, a day to pay tribute to those who were killed in the struggle for Tamil liberation.
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