Cyclone Ditwah has caused widespread devastation in Sri Lanka, leading to at least 366 fatalities and catastrophic flooding.
The country has faced severe weather conditions since last week, after heavy downpours destroyed homes and triggered landslides on the island's eastern coast.
On Thursday, Sri Lanka’s Department for Meteorology recorded more than 375mm (14.8in) of rain across some central and northern parts of the island – extreme even for the monsoon season.
The cyclone, Sri Lanka’s deadliest natural disaster since 2017, has left almost a third of the country without essential services, including electricity or running water.
Here’s everything you need to know about the floods in Sri Lanka and the latest travel advice.
Where in Sri Lanka has it flooded?
Flooding and landslide-related deaths have been reported in more than half of Sri Lanka’s 25 districts.
After several river banks burst, areas facing flooding include commercial and residential areas in the capital, Colombo.
The government’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) issued a red-level flood warning for low areas of the Kelani River Valley on Friday.
It said: “The public living in Eheliakoda, Norwood, Yattianthottai, Kaligamua, Ruvanwella, Pulathkohupitiya, Tehiovita, Seetavaka, Thombe, Bed, Homakama, Kaduvela, Piyagama, Kolannava, Kalani, Vathalai and Colombo should be extremely vigilant and take all precautionary measures necessary to protect lives and property,” following a report by the Department of Irrigation.
The DMC added that the water level at the Ambatale Reservoir has risen, with further flooding in the Kolonnawa area downstream, and the Neelamba Dam “at risk of collapse”.
Red warnings for landslides in the Badulla, Colombo and Kandy districts were also issued on Saturday.
Are Sri Lanka flights disrupted?
Six Colombo-bound international flights were diverted to airports in southern India on Friday morning as Cyclone Ditwah hit, reported local media.
SriLankan Airlines told travellers on 28 November: “Due to the adverse weather conditions currently affecting most parts of the island, SriLankan Airlines kindly advises passengers booked to travel with us today to check the latest flight status before proceeding to the airport.”
It added: “In this time of unprecedented challenges and uncertainty, we, at SriLankan Airlines, stand in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and with all travellers journeying to and from our island during the prevailing adverse weather conditions. We extend our sincere apologies for the delays and disruptions that you may have been experiencing. Your safety has always been, and will always remain, our highest priority.”
Most passenger trains have also been stopped after rocks and trees fell on the railway tracks.
Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), north of Colombo, said in a travel advisory: “To ensure a smoother and safer journey to BIA, passengers are advised to use the Colombo - Katunayake Expressway when travelling to the airport. Additionally, to help reduce congestion within the airport premises during this period, passengers are kindly requested not to bring visitors to the terminal.”
BIA told travellers on Saturday: “Due to severe weather in SL, tourists can enjoy full flight change/cancellation waivers, flexible rebooking, and visa extension exemptions.”
What do the authorities say?
Sri Lankan authorities said Monday that rescuers are still searching for 370 missing people, with nearly 120,000 people housed in temporary shelters.
Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake added that the economically battered island was facing the “largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history”, far exceeding the damages caused by the devastating 2004 tsunami.
On Friday, authorities closed government offices and schools as the death toll from flooding and landslides across the country rose.
Sri Lanka’s DMC has repeatedly warned residents and travellers, “don't stay in dangerous places”, and says to call 117 for further flooding information.
UK government advice on travelling to Sri Lanka
As of 2 December, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned of “travel disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah”.
It said in a travel advice update: “Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka on 28 November, and has caused flooding and landslides throughout much of Sri Lanka, resulting in the loss of life. As a result, travel in many areas has been disrupted.
“Check before travelling, including with your airline and/or tour operator, to understand how this might affect your travels. Sri Lanka Tourism has a 24-hour hotline available on 1912.”
General FCDO flood advice for Sri Lanka adds: “Monsoon rains can cause flooding in many places in Sri Lanka. Floods can cause widespread displacement of people, injuries and occasional deaths. Heavy rains and landslips can also lead to road closures and affect local transport links.
“Monitor Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre and the Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology for updates and follow local advice.”
What about my visa?
On 29 November, Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration announced visa “facilitation measures” for tourists affected by the flooding.
It said: “The Department of Immigration and Emigration informs all foreign nationals that special visa facilitation measures have been introduced for those affected by the adverse weather conditions currently prevailing in Sri Lanka.
“Foreigners who were scheduled to depart Sri Lanka on or after 28th November, but were unable to do so due to flight cancellations or travel difficulties caused by the weather, will be exempted from visa extension fees and overstay penalties. This measure is intended to support travellers who experienced unavoidable delays beyond their control.”
Travellers must apply for an extension to their tourist visa through the department’s online portal with evidence of travel disruption from their airline or holiday provider.
Short-term business visa holders and residence visa holders will be granted a seven-day grace period to complete their visa extension.
Can I cancel my holiday for a refund?
As the Foreign Office has not warned against non-essential travel to Sri Lanka, there will be no special circumstances in place to cancel a trip and receive a full refund.
The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes.
In terms of travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.
Read more: Satellite images reveal scale of flood devastation in Sri Lanka as 366 killed
