Is it protected to journey to Sri Lanka throughout extreme flooding?

Cyclone Ditwah has prompted widespread devastation in Sri Lanka, resulting in at the very least 334 fatalities and extreme flooding.

The nation has confronted extreme climate situations since final week, after heavy downpours destroyed houses and triggered landslides on the island’s jap coast.

On Thursday, Sri Lanka’s Department for Meteorology recorded more than 375mm (14.8in) of rain throughout some central and northern elements of the island – excessive even for the monsoon season.

The cyclone, Sri Lanka’s deadliest pure catastrophe since 2017, has left virtually a 3rd of the nation with out important companies, together with electrical energy or operating water.

Here’s every part you could know concerning the floods in Sri Lanka and the newest journey recommendation.

Where in Sri Lanka has it flooded?

As river ranges in Sri Lanka proceed to rise, areas liable to flooding embody the capital, Colombo.

The authorities’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) issued a red-level flood warning for low areas of the Kelani River Valley on Friday.

It mentioned: “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 stage on the Ambatale Reservoir has risen, with additional flooding within the Kolonnawa space downstream, with the Neelamba Dam “at risk of collapse”.

Red warnings for landslides within the Badulla, Colombo and Kandy districts had been additionally issued on Saturday.

Are Sri Lanka flights disrupted?

Six Colombo-bound worldwide flights had been diverted to airports in southern India on Friday morning as Cyclone Ditwah hit, reported native media.

SriLankan Airlines instructed 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 additionally been stopped after rocks and timber fell on the railway tracks.

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), north of Colombo, mentioned in a journey 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 instructed 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 mentioned Monday that rescuers are nonetheless looking for 370 lacking individuals, with almost 120,000 individuals housed in momentary shelters.

On Friday, authorities closed authorities places of work and colleges because the demise toll from flooding and landslides throughout the nation rose.

Sri Lanka’s DMC has repeatedly warned residents and travellers, “don’t stay in dangerous places”, and says to name 117 for additional flooding data.

UK authorities recommendation on travelling to Sri Lanka

As of 28 November, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned there are “severe weather conditions throughout Sri Lanka”.

It mentioned in a journey recommendation replace: “Sri Lanka is currently experiencing severe weather. Heavy rain has caused flooding and landslides, which are causing travel disruption across the country.

“Some flights have been diverted, check with your airline or tour operator if you are due to fly. Sri Lanka Tourism has a 24-hour hotline available on 1912.”

General FCDO flood recommendation for Sri Lanka provides: “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.”

Can I cancel my vacation for a refund?

As the Foreign Office has not warned towards non-essential journey to Sri Lanka, there will probably be no particular circumstances in place to cancel a visit and obtain a full refund.

The situations for cancelling your journey will probably be dependent in your vacation supplier, so it’s greatest to contact them when you’re trying to postpone.

There isn’t any obligation for corporations to refund bookings if you wish to cancel, and also you won’t be able to say journey insurance coverage as a result of security considerations until the Foreign Office recommendation adjustments.

In phrases of journey insurance coverage, some insurance policies embody pure catastrophe cowl for an occasion that forestalls you from reaching your vacation vacation spot. Check your insurance coverage insurance policies and communicate to your insurer to see the place you stand.

Read extra:Floods and cyclonic storms throughout Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia depart over 900 lifeless