D - Sri Lanka Landslides (Case Study)

Question 1

What dates did the torrential rain and landslides occur in Sri Lanka in May 2016?

Answer 1

15–17May2016 (three days)

Question 2

Which region was worst affected by the May2016 Sri Lanka landslides?

Answer 2

The Central Hills region, particularly Kegalle District (Aranayake and Bulathkohupitiya)

Question 3

What was the confirmed death toll and how many people were missing after the event?

Answer 3

37 confirmed dead; over150 missing

Question 4

Approximately how many people were displaced by these floods and landslides?

Answer 4

Around137,000 people

Question 5

How much rain fell between 15 and 16May2016 during the event?

Answer 5

Over100mm (e.g. 137.7mm recorded at Katunayake)

Question 6

What challenges did rescue teams face in the affected areas?

Answer 6

Treacherous mountainous roads and power outages hampered access

Question 7

How many homes were buried in the Aranayake landslide?

Answer 7

Homes of about 220 families (approx.220 houses) in Siripura, Pallebage and Elagipitya

Question 8

What was the main trigger for these landslides?

Answer 8

Prolonged torrential rain causing slope failures