• 366 dead, 367 missing, 1,151,776 from 316,366 fams. affected, most deaths in Kandy/N’Eliya/Badulla/K’gala/Matale, most missing in same including Kegalle
• NBRO tells not to return until District officials inspect and issue instructions/conclusions, evacuees urged to remain in centres    
• Ella-Wellawaya Rd. completely reopened, along with several other Badulla rds.
• Landslide warnings and Red Alerts (evac notices) extended for 70 DSDs across 7 Districts, Mahaweli River Basin flood warning extended 
• No drones in disaster zones 
• Each DS given Rs. 50 m for relief, Rs. 10k deposit to restore each home to a habitable/hygienic condition by removing mud/sand/silt and cleaned for sanitary purposes

The deep depression which was located near latitude 12.5°North and longitude 80.5°East, about 320 kilometres North-North-East of Kankesanthurai, is very likely to move Northwards, away from the island and weaken further, the Meteorology Department said. 

Meanwhile, the warning issued earlier advising Naval and fishing communities not to venture into the sea areas around the island, has been withdrawn. 

Elsewhere, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has reported that as of 6 p.m. yesterday (1), a total of 366 deaths have been confirmed and 367 persons remain missing following the adverse weather conditions affecting the country. A total of 1,151,776 people from 316,366 families have been affected by the disaster. According to the DMC report, the highest number of deaths, 88, has been reported in the Kandy District. This is followed by 75 deaths in Nuwara Eliya, 71 in Badulla, 37 in Kurunegala, and 24 in Matale. In terms of missing persons, 150 are reported from Kandy, 62 from Nuwara Eliya, 53 from Badulla, 48 from Kegalle, and 35 from Kurunegala.

Further, the Ella-Wellawaya road has been completely reopened for traffic, according to the Badulla District Secretary Panduka Sri Prabath Abeywardena. The authorities also reported that several other roads across the Badulla District have now been cleared and opened for traffic. The decision follows a decrease in the landslide risk in the District. The Road Development Authority has issued a statement regarding roads that have been disrupted due to the disaster situation caused by heavy rainfall. Accordingly, at least 108 roads have been impacted by flooding and landslides in the past few days.

However, a Senior Scientist at the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), Dr. Wasantha Senadeera stated the public should not return to their residences until officials from the NBRO’s District Offices conduct inspections and issue their official conclusions. He specifically advised individuals in highly vulnerable areas who are currently staying in temporary safe locations not to return until the relevant officials have arrived, provided clear instructions, and confirmed that it is safe to do so. Accordingly, Dr. Senadeera appealed to residents in severely unsafe conditions to continue to remain in evacuation centres.

He further noted that the landslide warnings and Red Alerts (evacuation notices) issued for 70 Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DSDs) across seven Districts have been further extended. Dr. Senadeera added that as areas affected by heavy rainfall remain saturated with water, the risk of landslides, rockfalls, and embankment failures is expected to persist over the coming days. He also advised the public to evacuate immediately if they observe unusual sounds from the ground or notice the sudden appearance or disappearance of water springs.

Also, the Irrigation Department has announced the flood warning issued for the Mahaweli River Basin under the Flood Warning Bulletin Number Eight, released on 29 November at 12.30 p.m., has been extended for an additional 48 hours. Accordingly, residents in the affected areas are urged to remain highly vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety in the event of potential flooding. The relevant disaster management authorities have also been advised to take appropriate measures in response to the extended warning.

The Air Force has urged the public to avoid flying drones in disaster-affected zones, warning that unregulated activity endangers vital rescue flights. Accordingly, the Air Force has requested that all drone take-offs and landings be reported in advance via 0112343970, 0112343971, or the 115 hotline. 

The Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre, Jayatissa Munasinghe noted that each DS has been allocated Rs. 50 million to provide relief to people affected by the disaster. Munasinghe made these remarks at a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday (01). He explained that the relief funds have been mobilised immediately for distribution and that under the emergency conditions, a DS has been authorised to spend up to Rs. 50 million to carry out relief operations without procedural obstacles. In addition to the funds already deposited for dry rations, he stated that approval has been granted to provide food supplies as necessary. DSs have been authorised to make decisions through appropriate committees based on the specific conditions in their respective areas. The funds allocated for dry rations are intended to cover seven days per family, with the possibility of extension if required. The allocations are as follows: Rs. 2,100 for an individual, Rs. 4,200 for a family of two, Rs. 6,300 for a family of three, Rs. 8,400 for a family of four and Rs. 10,500 for families of five or more members. 

Meanwhile, the general public has been urged to exercise caution and vigilance regarding the high risk of infectious and vector-borne diseases amid the ongoing flooding and waterlogging situation. He further explained that due to the floods and waterlogging, homes may need to have mud, sand and silt removed and be cleaned for sanitary purposes. Accordingly, Section 5(2) of Circular 1(2025) has been amended to provide Rs. 10,000 as a deposit to restore each affected home to a habitable and hygienic condition, regardless of ownership. This circular was issued on 30 November of this year (2025) by the Secretary of Defence, (Retired) Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha. He also noted that communication systems in severely affected areas are being restored and requested the public to provide full support to relief officers, who are working under strenuous conditions to assist those in need.