The Department of Meteorology reported that exceptionally heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm was recorded in several districts within the three-hour period ending at 2:30 PM today (28) as a result of the impact of Cyclone “Ditwah.” The highest rainfall during this period was observed in the Mullaitivu District, which received 161.9 mm, followed by Mannar with 120.5 mm, Nuwara Eliya with 102.2 mm, and Puttalam with 100.1 mm. Additional significant rainfall was recorded in Kaduwela at 73.4 mm, Vavuniya at 63.7 mm, and Silawathura at 99.5 mm.

According to historical data from the Department of Meteorology, five districts recorded more than 300 mm of rain during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 AM today, with most parts of the island receiving over 200 mm. The highest amount during this period was recorded in Settikulam at 375 mm.

Districts that exceeded the 300 mm mark included Vavuniya, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Mullaitivu. Officials noted that such widespread and intense rainfall across the country is extremely rare in recent history. They highlighted that Sri Lanka’s all-time highest recorded rainfall was 805.6 mm in Nedunkerni in 1897, followed by 730 mm in Deniyaya in 2003.

Meteorologists explained that the severity of the current situation is linked to a low-pressure system that developed very close to Sri Lanka, intensified into a cyclone, and then crossed over the country after reaching cyclonic strength. This unusual path is believed to be the primary reason for the extreme and widespread rainfall.

Typically, cyclones form farther away from the island or make landfall at a weaker stage. Despite some improvement expected in the Southern provinces by tomorrow afternoon, heavy rainfall is forecast to continue in more than 23 districts, with the Northern half of the country likely to experience even higher precipitation. The effects of the cyclone are expected to persist over the next two days, with a possibility that it may strengthen into a Severe Cyclonic Storm before moving towards India.

Authorities have also raised concerns about overflowing reservoirs in the Central Province due to the intense rainfall. Reports indicate that many people have been severely affected, particularly in areas where earlier warnings to avoid low-lying regions near reservoirs were ignored. With a large number of communities now impacted across the island, officials are once again urging the public to evacuate from all potentially dangerous locations and follow safety instructions issued by disaster management authorities.