The heavy South-west monsoon caused severe floods in Sri Lanka recently. It became worse when the Cyclone Mora arrived causing floods and landslides. The disaster effects became softer when the cyclone entered by Bay of Bengal and headed towards Bangladesh.
The floods affected 15 districts in the country. Ratnapura, Kalutara and Matara were the worst-affected districts. The severely affected provinces were Western Province, Sabaragamuwa Province, Southern Province and to a some extent, the Central Province. The flooding and landslides accounted for 208 deaths, 92 missing and also damaged a large number of houses and other constructions.
The Sri Lankan Armed Forces immediately set-off relief, help and rescue operations. Many families were evacuated and relocated to safe locations. Local and international response helped the affected people. The whole nation joined hands to rescue and relieve flood victims, thus proving that Sri Lankans are ever ready to help each other at all times.
Lakni Erasha Rodrigo,
Grade 11,
Vishaka Balika Vidyalaya,
Sapugaskanda.