{{Short description|North Indian Ocean cyclone in 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}} {{Infobox weather event | name = Cyclonic Storm Roanu | image = Roanu 2016-05-21 0445Z.jpg | caption = Cyclone Roanu at peak intensity approaching Bangladesh on 21 May | formed = 19 May 2016 | remnant = 22 May 2016 | dissipated = 23 May 2016 }}{{Infobox weather event/IMD | winds = 45 | pressure = 983 }}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC | winds = 60 | pressure = 978 }}{{Infobox weather event/Effects | year = 2016 | fatalities = 135 | missing = 99 | damage = 2127000000 | areas = Sri Lanka, East coast of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Yunnan }}{{Infobox weather event/Footer | season = 2016 North Indian Ocean cyclone season }} '''Cyclonic Storm Roanu'''{{efn|The name ''Roanu'' (Dhivehi: ރޯނު; [[Help:IPA/Maldivian|[ɾoːnu]]]) was contributed by the Maldives and refers to coil ropes made out of coconut husks in Dhivehi.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/country/why-the-cyclone-called-roanu-1227571|title=Why is the cyclone called Roanu?|date=May 21, 2016|work=The Daily Star|access-date=May 23, 2016|archive-date=May 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526031255/http://www.thedailystar.net/country/why-the-cyclone-called-roanu-1227571|url-status=live}}</ref>}} was a relatively weak tropical cyclone that caused severe flooding in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh during May 2016. It was the first tropical cyclone of the annual cyclone season. Roanu originated from a low-pressure area that formed south of Sri Lanka, gradually drifted north and intensified into a cyclonic storm on 19 May. However, wind shear and land interaction caused it to weaken slightly, before reintensifying as it accelerated towards the coast of Bangladesh.
The storm was responsible for 105 deaths in Sri Lanka and another 30 deaths in Bangladesh. A further 99 persons in Sri Lanka were reported missing. Damage throughout Sri Lanka reached US$2 billion. Roanu also brought torrential rainfall to the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha as it drifted in a generally northeastward direction, close to the coast.
==Meteorological history== {{storm path|Roanu 2016 track.png}} Under the influence of a trough, a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal on 14 May.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Weather Outlook |url=http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/bulletin/rsmc.pdf |publisher=India Meteorological Department |access-date=14 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305134017/http://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/bulletin/rsmc.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin, Night of 14 May 2016. |url=http://imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/allindianew.pdf |publisher=India Meteorological Department |access-date=14 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331164317/http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/allindianew.pdf |archive-date=31 March 2016 }}</ref> It slowly consolidated as it paralleled the east coast of Sri Lanka, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to classify it as a depression on 17 May.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yadav |first1=B. P. |title=Special Tropical Outlook for the North Indian Ocean issued at 0600 UTC of 17 May 2016. |url=http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/bulletin/rsmc.pdf |publisher=India Meteorological Department |access-date=17 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305134017/http://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/bulletin/rsmc.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref> Late the same day, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA), soon after which the JTWC upgraded the system to a tropical storm.<ref>{{cite web|title=Current Significant Tropical Weather Advisories ABIO10 (Indian Ocean) reissued at 18 May 2016, 0030 UTC |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201605180030.htm |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=18 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6haRFWdIA?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201605180030.htm |archive-date=18 May 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B (One) Warning #01 Issued on 18 May 2016 at 0900 UTC. |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio51.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=18 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429050101/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio51.pgtw..txt |archive-date=29 April 2016 }}</ref> Simultaneously, the IMD upgraded the storm to a Deep Depression, prompting the issuance of cyclone warnings for the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.<ref>{{cite web|author1=B.P. Yadav |title=Deep Depression BOB 01 Warning Bulletin 5 issued on 18 May 2016. |url=http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/cyclone_pdfs/indian_1463580122.pdf |publisher=India Meteorological Department |access-date=18 May 2016 |archive-date=21 May 2016 |page=1 |date=18 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521104243/http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/cyclone_pdfs/indian_1463580122.pdf }}</ref> On 19 May, the IMD reported that the storm had reached cyclonic storm intensity, and assigned it the name ''Roanu''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kotal |first1=S. D. |title=Cyclonic Storm Roanu, Bulletin No. 9 issued at 0300 UTC, 19 May 2016. |url=http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/bulletin/indian.pdf |publisher=India Meteorological Department |access-date=19 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116123614/http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/bulletin/indian.pdf |archive-date=16 November 2015 }}</ref>
At the time, Roanu was tracking slowly northward along the northern periphery of a subtropical ridge located over the Malay Peninsula. Despite favorable outflow and warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs) reaching {{convert|31|C|F|abbr=on}}, its proximity to land and moderate vertical wind shear kept the storm from intensifying rapidly.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B (Roanu) Warning #04 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201605190300.htm |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Centre |access-date=19 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hcWCzlVq?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201605190300.htm |archive-date=19 May 2016 }}</ref> The diurnal temperature variation over land and the persistent wind shear began to affect the deep convection obscuring the low-level circulation center (LLCC). In the late hours of that day, Roanu showed a weakening trend after most of the convection covering the LLCC was sheared off. During that time, Roanu was located approximately {{convert|150|km|mi}} from Visakhapatnam. However, the wind shear soon decreased,<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B (Roanu) Warning #07 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio31.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Centre |access-date=19 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429050139/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=29 April 2016 }}</ref> and the storm reestablished deep convection over and around the LLCC, forming a central dense overcast in a period of 6 hours. SSMIS imagery revealed tightly curved rainbands wrapped into the LLCC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio31.pgtw..txt |title=Tropical Cyclone 01B (Roanu) Warning #06 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=19 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429050139/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=29 April 2016 }}</ref> As a result, Roanu re-intensified as it accelerated east-northeastwards towards the coast of Bangladesh,<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B (Roanu) Warning #08 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio31.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=20 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429050139/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=29 April 2016 }}</ref> and reached its peak intensity with winds of {{convert|85|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum central pressure of 983 hPa (mbar; 29.03 inHg).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mohapatra |first1=M |title=Tropical Storm Roanu Advisory No. 17 issued at 0900 UTC of 21 May 2016. |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/RSMC_201605211000.pdf |publisher=India Meteorological Department |access-date=23 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6hj5MHmnL?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/RSMC_201605211000.pdf |archive-date=23 May 2016 }}</ref> On 21 May, Roanu made landfall just northwest of Chittagong, Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mohapatra |first1=M |title=Tropical Storm Roanu Advisory No. 16 issued at 1500 UTC of 21 May 2016. |url=http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/bulletin/rsmc.pdf |publisher=India Meteorological Department |access-date=21 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305134017/http://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/bulletin/rsmc.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref> {{citation needed span|Continuing to accelerate inland, Roanu steadily weakened and degenerated into a remnant low on the next day.|date=December 2016}}
==Preparations== Preparations for the storm began even before the IMD started tracking it as a depression. As the area of low pressure tracked closer to the country, the Meteorology Department of Sri Lanka issued a warning on 13 May stating that the disturbance would affect the country. Fishermen were advised to be vigilant.<ref>{{cite web|title=Met Dept issues bad weather warning|url=http://www.news.lk/news/business/item/13329-met-dept-issues-bad-weather-warning|publisher=The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka|access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> On 14 May 2016 the Meteorology Department issued a severe weather advisory for twelve hours commencing 11:30 IST. Up to 100mm of rain was expected in parts of eastern and southern Sri Lanka with wind speeds up to 70-80 kmh at sea.<ref name="DM140516">{{cite news|title=Severe weather advisory issued|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109478/Severe-weather-advisory-issued|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=14 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="SI150516">{{cite news|title=Met. Dept. issues severe weather advisory|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=145271|work=Sunday Island (Sri Lanka)|date=15 May 2016}}</ref> Later, The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued landslide warning in the districts of Badulla, Monaragala, Kandy, Ratnapura, Kurunegala, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle and Matale.<ref>{{cite web|title=Landslide warning as heavy rains lash island|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2016/05/16/local/81821|publisher=The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.|access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> President Maithripala Sirisena instructed the local authorities to provide relief to those affected by the system. The Minister Of Disaster Management, Defense Secretary, Tri Forces' Commanders and the Inspector General Of Police were instructed to undertake the operation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lankan President Calls For Heavy Rains|url=https://www.cihan.com.tr/en/sri-lanka-colombo-heavy-rain-disaster-2075124.htm|publisher=Cihan News Agency|access-date=19 May 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160522194320/https://www.cihan.com.tr/en/sri-lanka-colombo-heavy-rain-disaster-2075124.htm|archive-date=22 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Road Development Authority waived Tolls on the Southern Expressway between Kottawa to Kadawatha due to the weather.<ref>{{cite news|title=No tolls for some E01 entrances today- RDA|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109602/No-tolls-for-some-E-entrances-today-RDA|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=17 May 2016}}</ref> Schools in Central Province, North Western Province, Sabaragamuwa Province and Western Province are closed due to the floods.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jayaratne|first1=Pushpakumara|title=NWP schools closed until further notice|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109618/NWP-schools-closed-until-further-notice|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=17 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Eight schools closed in Panvila|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109646/Eight-schools-closed-in-Panvila|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=17 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Shanthaudaya|first1=Ajjith Lal|title=All schools in Sabaragamuwa Province closed|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109661/All-schools-in-Sabaragamuwa-Province-closed|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=17 May 2016}}</ref> As water levels on the Kelani River rose rapidly, the DMC warned those living near its banks to move to safety.<ref>{{cite news|title=Move away from banks of Kelani River: DMC|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109687/Move-away-from-banks-of-Kelani-River-DMC|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Move away from banks of Kelani River: DMC|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109665/Move-away-from-banks-of-Kelani-River-DMC|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref> The Ceylon Electricity Board imposed emergency power cuts on the Colombo suburbs of Kohilawatte, Kolonnawa, Kotikawatte, Orugodawatta, Sedawatta, Sinhapura and Wellampitiya as a precautionary measure.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kelani rising: Emergency power cuts in Colombo|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109686/Kelani-rising-Emergency-power-cuts-in-Colombo|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref> Overnight the army and navy evacuated 26,000 people affected by the floods in Colombo.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pradeep|first1=Chaturanga|title=20,000 evacuated from flood hit areas in Colombo|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109723/-evacuated-from-flood-hit-areas-in-Colombo|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=19 May 2016}}</ref> All schools in the country were closed on 20 May 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=All schools will be closed tomorrow: Ministry|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109732/All-schools-will-be-closed-tomorrow-Ministry|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=19 May 2016}}</ref>
==Impact== {| class="wikitable sortable" style="float:right;clear:right;" |+''' Deaths and damage by countries''' ! Countries ! Fatalities ! Missing ! Damage<br>(2016 USD) ! class="unsortable" | Sources |- | Sri Lanka | 105 | 99 | {{ntsp|2000000000||$}} | <ref>{{cite report|url=http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/20160608-ab-analytics-if-may-global-recap.pdf|title=Global Catastrophe Recap May 2016|publisher=Aon Benfield|date=8 June 2016|access-date=8 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="SciDev"/> |- | India | None | None | Minimal | |- | Bangladesh | 30 | None | {{ntsp|127000000||$}} | <ref name="IIED"/><ref name="TheIndependent"/> |- class="sortbottom" ! scope="row" style="text-align: left;" | Totals: ! style="text-align:left;" | {{nts|135}} ! style="text-align:left;" | {{nts|99}} ! style="text-align:left;" | {{ntsp|2127000000||$}} ! |}
===Sri Lanka=== thumb|right|The precursor to Cyclone Roanu over Sri Lanka on 15 May. As a depression, the cyclone brought torrential rains to Sri Lanka, causing flash flooding and landslides that killed 104 people. There were also 99 people reported missing. Additionally, the storm displaced over 134,000 people. Damage throughout Sri Lanka reached US$2 billion.<ref name="BOB01 Sri Lanka 17/05">{{cite web|title=12 die in Sri Lanka flash floods, several missing|work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/12-die-in-Sri-Lanka-flash-floods-several-missing/articleshow/52309353.cms|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (The Times of India)|access-date=17 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="SciDev">{{cite news|author=Nalaka Gunawardene |url=https://www.scidev.net/global/disasters/columns/cyclone-roanu-sri-lankan-disaster.html|title=Cyclone Roanu exposed Sri Lankan disaster response gaps|publisher=SciDev.Net|date=16 June 2016|access-date=16 June 2016}}</ref>
On 15 May, {{convert|137.7|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain was recorded in Katunayake.<ref name="TI160516"/> 373.3mm of rain fell on Kilinochchi in the 24 hours to 8.30 a.m. on 16 May 2016.<ref name="DM180516">{{cite news|title=Highest rainfall recorded|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109695/Highest-rainfall-recorded|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref> Several parts of the capital Colombo were flooded.<ref name="DM150516">{{cite news|last1=Perera|first1=Yohan|title=Minor flood situation- DMC|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109488/Minor-flood-situation-DMC|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=15 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Roads flooded in Colombo|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109491/Roads-flooded-in-Colombo|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=15 May 2016}}</ref> More than 35 families in Nalluruwa were displaced after a gale hit their homes.<ref name="DN170516">{{cite news|last1=Nafeel|first1=Nushka|last2=Imtiaz|first2=Zahrah|title=Weather Gods Play Havoc|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2016/05/17/features/81919|work=Daily News (Sri Lanka)|date=17 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="TI160516">{{cite news|title=Rain misery extends into the night with no respite|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=145329|work=The Island (Sri Lanka)|date=16 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Mahabellana|first1=Siri|last2=Fernando|first2=K. S.|title=Families in Nalluruwa displaced by gale|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109501/Families-in-Nalluruwa-displaced-by-gale|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=15 May 2016}}</ref> Bad weather forced two flights bound for Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to be diverted to Cochin International Airport.<ref name="TI170516">{{cite news|last1=Mudugamuwa|first1=Maheesha|title=Stormy weather causes chaos: three dead|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=145352|work=The Island (Sri Lanka)|date=17 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="DM160516a">{{cite news|title=Three flights diverted to India and MRIA|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109532/Three-flights-diverted-to-India-and-MRIA|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=16 May 2016}}</ref> A landslide in Hattota near Dehiowita in Kegalle District left four dead and one missing.<ref name="ST220516">{{cite news|last1=Rubatheesan|first1=S.|title=Terror of new landslides as villagers dig with bare hands for loved ones|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/160522/news/terror-of-new-landslides-as-villagers-dig-with-bare-hands-for-loved-ones-194638.html|work=The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)|date=22 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="SLBC">{{cite news|title=Bodies of 21 persons missing due to landslides and flooding in Kegalle district found|url=http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/tamil-news-update/4078-bodies-of-21-persons-missing-due-to-landslides-and-flooding-in-kegalle-district-found.html|work=Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>
Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre (DMC) issued a flood alert on 16 May as the low-pressure area brought heavy rains to the country. The Kelani River and Maha Oya swelled as a result of the rainfall.<ref name="toi">{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka on alert for floods, landslides|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/Sri-Lanka-on-alert-for-floods-landslides/articleshow/52290075.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> With water levels on the Attanagalu Oya, Kalu Ganga, Kelani River, Maha Oya, Mahaweli River, Nilwala Ganga and Yan Oya rising, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) warned people living on river banks and low-lying areas in Badalgama, Dunamale, Giriulla, Hanwella, Horowpatana, Nawalapitiya, Panadugama, Peradeniya, and Ratnapura to be vigilant.<ref name="TI170516"/><ref>{{cite news|title=People requested to be vigilant as water level rising|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109533/People-requested-to-be-vigilant-as-water-level-rising|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=16 May 2016}}</ref> The Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre said that areas of the nation received the highest amount of rainfall since 2010. Landslides buried three villages in Kegalle District.<ref name="BOB01 Sri Lanka 18/05">{{cite web|last1=Perera|first1=Amantha|title=200 families missing as Sri Lankan landslides bury three villages|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/18/sri-lanka-hundreds-of-families-missing-after-landslide-buries-three-villages|work=The Guardian|date=18 May 2016 |access-date=18 May 2016}}</ref> Power failures were reported in several villages.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jayawardhane|first1=Kalathma|title=Power failures in several villages|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109537/Power-failures-in-several-villages|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=16 May 2016}}</ref> Flights leaving Ratmalana Airport were grounded due to heavy rain.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fonseka|first1=Rekha Tharangani|title=Flights from Ratmalana Airport grounded due to heavy rains|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109538/Flights-from-Ratmalana-Airport-grounded-due-to-heavy-rains|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=16 May 2016}}</ref> The Southern Expressway's exit at Biyagama was closed due to flooding.<ref>{{cite news|title=Biyagama entrance/exit to expressway closed|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109552/Biyagama-entrance-exit-to-expressway-closed|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=16 May 2016}}</ref> Heavy rains and floods affected Chilaw, Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura and one person was killed by lightning in Anuradhapura.<ref name="DM160516b">{{cite news|last1=Fonseka|first1=Piyumi|title=Three killed, 11,667 displaced by heavy rains|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109548/Three-killed-displaced-by-heavy-rains|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=16 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Heavy rains wreak havoc|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109541/Video-Heavy-rains-wreak-havoc|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=16 May 2016}}</ref> The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) rescued fishermen off Pitipana near Negombo in Gampaha District after their boat capsized.<ref name="TI170516"/><ref name="ST220516"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dissanayake|first1=Ridma|title=Air Force in air rescue to save fishermen|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2016/05/17/law-order/81929|work=Daily News (Sri Lanka)|date=17 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=SLAF to the rescue|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20160321CT20160630.php?id=1757|work=Ceylon Today|date=17 May 2016|access-date=22 May 2016|archive-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624021032/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20160321CT20160630.php?id=1757|url-status=dead}}</ref> A landslide in Ilukkwatta near Kadugannawa in Kandy District buried two homes under 25 feet of mud, rock and rubble, killing seven.<ref name="ST220516"/><ref name="CT180516">{{cite news|last1=Suraweera|first1=Kamal|title=Landslide in Kadugannawa Six buried alive-Residents of 53 homes evacuated|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20160321CT20160630.php?id=1773|work=Ceylon Today|date=18 May 2016|access-date=22 May 2016|archive-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624025824/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20160321CT20160630.php?id=1773|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Six missing after landslide in Kadugannawa|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109600/Six-missing-after-landslide-in-Kadugannawa|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=17 May 2016}}</ref> A landslide in Samsarakanda near Aranayaka in Kegalle District buried several homes, killing 21 and leaving 123 missing.<ref name="ST220516"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Landslide buries several houses in Aranayake|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109632/Landslide-buries-several-houses-in-Aranayake|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=17 May 2016}}</ref> The villages of Elangapitiya, Pallebage and Siripura were buried in the landslide.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pradeep|first1=Chaturanga|last2=Perera|first2=Yohan|last3=Kumara|first3=Rohan|title=Landslide displaces 450, injures 16 in Aranayake|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109645/Landslide-displaces-injures-in-Aranayake|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=17 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=144 missing in Aranayake landslide; flooding death toll climbs to 58|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=35338|work=Ada Derana|date=19 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Landslide site in Aranayake|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109668/Landslide-site-in-Aranayake|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref> A landslide at Kalupahana Estate near Bulathkohupitiya in Kegalle District buried several homes, killing 14 and leaving two missing.<ref name="ST220516"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Welagedera|first1=Ravindra|title=16 missing in another landslide|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109664/-missing-in-another-landslide|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref> Two boys were killed in Wattala due to the floods.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Karunanayake|first1=Tony|title=Two boys killed in Wattala floods|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109671/Two-boys-killed-in-Wattala-floods|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref> The Outer Circular Expressway was flooded at Kaduwela.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kaduwela OCR area also affected|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109683/Video-Kaduwela-OCR-area-also-affected|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref> With roads underwater and impassable, the Wilpattu National Park was closed until 25 May 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fonseka|first1=Piyumi|title=Wilpattu National Park closed due to adverse weather|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109689/Wilpattu-National-Park-closed-due-to-adverse-weather|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref> Water levels on the Kelani River, which had peaked at 8 feet, began to fall slowly on 19 May 2016 and had fallen to six feet by 22 May 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Slight decline of Kelani river water level|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109727/Slight-decline-of-Kelani-river-water-level|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=19 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Water level in Kelani River dropping|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109832/Water-level-in-Kelani-River-dropping|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=22 May 2016}}</ref> Two people were killed in Ambulgama near Hanwella on 20 May 2016 after the boat they were in capsized in flood waters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Boat capsize kills two|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109815/Boat-capsize-kills-two|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=20 May 2016}}</ref> A landslide was reported in Kabaragalakanda near Aranayake on 21 May 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Another landslide reported in Aranayake|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109829/-Another-landslide-reported-in-Aranayake|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=21 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Another landslide occurs at Aranayake|url=http://www.hirunews.lk/133703/another-landslide-occurs-at-aranayake|work=Hiru News|date=21 May 2016}}</ref>
===India=== [[File:Cyclonic Storm Roanu Affected Overcast Sky - Salt Lake City - Kolkata 2016-05-20 3962.JPG|left|thumb|Fracto-Cumulus over Kolkata.]] Parts of Chennai and Tamil Nadu received between {{convert|93|mm|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|116.0|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain in a period of 24 hours.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Karthikeyan|first1=Hemalatha|title=Depression moving away, but Chennai will continue to get rain on Wednesday|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Depression-moving-away-but-Chennai-will-continue-to-get-rain-on-Wednesday/articleshow/52321302.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=18 May 2016|date=18 May 2016}}</ref> Kelambakkam, Chennai, received 226 mm of rainfall on 19 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maalaimalar.com/News/District/2016/05/18113507/1012762/226-mm-rain-in-kelambakkam.vpf |title=Maalaimalar News: 226 mm rain in kelambakkam |publisher=Maalaimalar.com |date=2016-05-18 |access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref> Later reports indicated that the city had received the highest rainfall in the month of May in over 2 decades.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Shekhar|first1=Laasya|title=Chennai records 11.7cm of rainfall breaking a two-decade-old record.|date=19 May 2016 |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/190516/chennai-heaves-sigh-of-relief-as-storm-veers.html|publisher=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> 12,000 personnel were deployed in the city to aid rescue operations. Multiple boats were stationed around the city for emergency rescue. In the low-lying areas, the National Disaster Response Force positioned 4 teams of personnel. An emergency number (1070) was set up.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai rains: Authorities keep boats on standby after heavy rain|url=http://www.newsnation.in/article/131591-chennai-rains-authorities-keep-boats-on-standby-after-heavy-rain.html|publisher=News Nation|access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> The IMD put the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on an orange alert (the second highest level of emergency in India) on 19 May. The city of Kakinada recorded {{convert|174|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain in a day, the highest reported in the past 10 years. Bapatla reported {{convert|134|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain. Visakhapatnam District, Vizianagaram District and Srikakulam District were also affected by rains and were forecast to receive up to {{convert|210|mm|in|abbr=on}} by 21 May.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Srinivasa Rao Apparasu|author2=Priya Ranjan Sahu|author3=Hindustan Times|title=Andhra, Odisha on high alert as cyclone Roanu set to hit coast|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/andhra-odisha-on-high-alert-as-cyclone-roanu-set-to-hit-coast/story-HCcHAg7YWGDo7ent3XG5zI.html|work=The Hindu|date=19 May 2016 |access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu positioned 5 teams, each consisting of 100 personnel, in Krishna, East Godavari and Visakhapatnam districts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cyclone Roanu drops anchor off A.P.|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/cyclone-roanu-drops-anchor-off-ap/article8622708.ece|work=The Hindu|date=19 May 2016 |access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref>
Under the influence of the system, various places in Odisha received moderate to heavy rainfall. The reported rainfall was {{convert|96|mm|in|abbr=on}} in Paradip and {{convert|85|mm|in|abbr=on}} in Puri. Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik readied 10 teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire service personnel. Government of Odisha issued an alert in at least 12 districts in coastal, southern and northern regions of the state. The maximum temperature in Bhubaneshwar on 20 May was {{convert|26.2|C|F}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Cyclone 'Roanu' 50 km off Odisha coast; rains, winds disrupt life|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/cyclone-roanu-50-km-off-odisha-coast-rains-winds-disrupt-life/239612.html|publisher=The Tribune Trust|access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref> compared to the average daily maximum temperature of {{convert|37.2|C|F}} for the month of May.<ref name= NOAA>{{Cite FTP |url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/IN/42971.TXT |server = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |title = Bhubaneshwar Climate Normals 1971–1990 |access-date = 24 December 2012}}</ref> In West Bengal, Digha received {{convert|73|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rainfall and Sagar Island received {{convert|96|mm|in|abbr=on}} as the cyclone inched closer.<ref>{{cite web|title=West Bengal begins facing wrath of Cyclone Roanu|url=http://www.skymetweather.com/content/weather-news-and-analysis/west-bengal-to-face-wrath-of-cyclone-roanu/|publisher=Skymet Weather Services Pvt. Ltd.|access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref>
===Bangladesh=== thumb|right|An animation depicting Roanu nearing landfall over Bangladesh. Before the cyclone made landfall, over half a million people had been taken into shelters by the Government of Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36351574|title=Cyclone Roanu: Half a million flee in Bangladesh|work=BBC News |date=21 May 2016 |access-date=2016-05-22}}</ref> All flights at Shah Amanat International Airport were suspended. Restrictions were imposed on the movement of ships and ferries by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority.<ref name=":0" />
A storm surge up to 7 ft (2.0 m) above the astronomical tide hit the coast of Bangladesh at afternoon.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/05/deaths-cyclone-roanu-pounds-bangladesh-160521135642512.html|title=Half a million flee as Cyclone Roanu hits Bangladesh|website=Aljazeera|access-date=2016-05-22}}</ref> The cyclone approached the land over the coast at Sandwip, Hatia, Kutubdia, Sitakundu and Feni.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cyclone Roanu makes landfall at Chittagong coast |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2016/05/21/cyclone-roanu-makes-landfall-at-chittagong-coast |newspaper=bdnews24.com |access-date=2016-05-22}}</ref> The cyclone caused at least 26 deaths in seven districts across the country.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bangladesh avoids high death toll with cyclone evacuation |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/Bangladesh-avoids-high-death-toll-with-cyclone-evacuation/2016/05/23/article3447246.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524113339/http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/Bangladesh-avoids-high-death-toll-with-cyclone-evacuation/2016/05/23/article3447246.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 May 2016 |newspaper=The New Indian Express |date=23 May 2016 |access-date=23 May 2016}}</ref> 30 people died when Roanu hit the county, most of them died when the cyclone's storm surge overtopped dams.<ref name="IIED">{{cite news |author=Saleemul Huq |title=Cyclone Roanu hits Bangladesh: a story of loss and damage avoided |url=https://www.iied.org/cyclone-roanu-hits-bangladesh-story-loss-damage-avoided |newspaper=International Institute for Environment and Development |date=27 May 2016 |access-date=27 May 2016}}</ref> Around 40,000 homesteads and business houses were damaged.<ref>{{cite news |title=20 killed, 500,000 evacuated as Cyclone Roanu hits Bangladesh |url=http://timesofoman.com/article/84287/World/Asia/20-killed-500000-evacuated-as-Cyclone-Roanu-hits-Bangladesh |work=Times of Oman |access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref>
The storm disrupted electricity supply and road communications in the areas.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vast destruction from cyclone in Bangladesh |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/cyclone-roanu-hits-bangladesh/3340106.html |work=VOA |access-date=2016-05-22}}</ref> Food storage, seasonal crops were damaged. Livestock, including fish and shrimp firms were swept away.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201605250039.html|title=Deadly cyclone hits Sri Lanka, Bangladesh; aid urgently needed|website=The Asahi Shimbun|access-date=2016-05-25}}</ref> Damage across the nation were estimated at ৳10 billion (US$127 million).<ref name="TheIndependent">{{cite news|url=http://www.theindependentbd.com/printversion/details/44834|title=Roanu leaves behind a trail of damage|work=The Independent|date=24 May 2016|access-date=24 May 2016}}</ref>
==Aftermath== [[File:Indian aid for the 2016 Sri Lankan floods (1).jpg|thumb|An Indian Air Force Boeing C-17 transport aircraft that brought around 50 tonnes of relief material, at Katunayake Airport.]] The Sri Lanka Army deployed more than 1500 Army personnel and 71 officers, including Commandos in worst-affected areas across the country for immediate search, rescue and relief operations and the Army on the directions of the Commander has organized another emergency contingent to stand by in case the situation worsens.<ref>{{cite web|title=UPDATE: Army Rescue & Relief Operations in Full Swing Under Commander's Close Supervision; Elderly Inmates Evacuated & Thousands of Meal Packets Distributed|url=http://www.army.lk/details.php?type=article&id=1099|publisher=Army.lk|access-date=20 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617194001/http://www.army.lk/details.php?type=article&id=1099|archive-date=17 June 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Sri Lanka Air Force dispatched Bell 212, Bell 412 and Mi 17 helicopters for rescue operations and providing of relief aid to victims.<ref>{{cite web|title=SLAF Continues Flood Relief Operations on 20 May 2016|url=http://www.airforce.lk/news.php?news=2775|publisher=airforce.lk|access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref> The Sri Lanka Navy dispatched 81 flood relief teams in areas such as Thalduwa, Hanwella, Ranala, Navagamuwa, Malwana, Kegalle, Kaduwela, Mulleriyawa, Dompe, Pugoda, Wellampitiya, Kollonnawa, Biyagama, Kotikawatta, Angoda, Kelanimulla, Vavunia, Vilachchiya and Mandagalaru to promptly engage in any adverse situation. Besides 40 more flood relief teams are kept on standby covering all the areas affected by floods to meet any emergency situation. <ref>{{cite web|title=Navy continues to assist people affected by floods due to adverse weather|url=http://www.navy.lk/eventnews/2016/05/19/201605191830/|publisher=navy.lk|access-date=20 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523111906/http://www.navy.lk/eventnews/2016/05/19/201605191830|archive-date=23 May 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Rescue operations began soon after the storm, on 18 May, with Sri Lankan military personnel searching for missing people in rural areas. 115 soldiers reportedly searched the villages buried by the landslides in attempt to find any survivors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lankan Soldiers Search for Survivors in Landslide-Devastated Village|url=http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2412457&CategoryId=12395|work=Latin American Herald Tribune|access-date=19 May 2016|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309182346/http://www.laht.com/article.asp?CategoryId=12395&ArticleId=2412457|url-status=dead}}</ref> Over 200 people trapped by flooding in Thabbowa in Puttalam District were rescued by the SLAF and Sri Lanka Navy.<ref name="ST220516"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dissanayake|first1=Ridma|last2=Imtiaz|first2=Zahrah|title=Over 200 trapped in Thabbowa|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2016/05/18/local/82056|work=Daily News (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Navy, Air Force deployed to rescue Tabbowa flood victims|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/35299/navy-air-force-deployed-to-rescue-tabbowa-flood-victims|work=Ada Derana|date=17 May 2016}}</ref> The Sri Lanka Army, with the help of villagers, volunteers and medical staff, began rescue efforts at Aranayaka and Bulathkohupitiya.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rescue mission at Aranayake and Bulathkohupitiya|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109667/rescue-mission-at-aranayake-and-bulathkohupitiya|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=13 bodies recovered in Aranayake, 3 in Bulathkohupitiya|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109692/Update-bodies-recovered-in-Aranayake-in-Bulathkohupitiya|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=18 May 2016}}</ref> At least 50 people were rescued from the hardest-hit areas in the Kegalle District.<ref name="BBC_1"/> However, another spell of heavy rain on 19 May disrupted the operations. Mud in some villages was reportedly as high as {{convert|75|ft|m|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sirilal|first1=Ranga|title=Hopes fade for 150 feared buried in Sri Lanka landslides|url=http://www.euronews.com/newswires/3194569-sri-lankas-torrential-rains-drive-more-than-130000-from-homes/| work=Euronews| access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, the officer in charge of the rescue operation, later told that the authorities had begun to give up the rescue operations. The death toll was confirmed to be 58.<ref name="Roanu Sri Lanka 19/05">{{cite news|last1=Aneez|first1=Shihar|title=Hopes fade for over 130 feared buried in Sri Lanka landslides|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-floods-idUSKCN0YA0P7|work=Reuters|date=19 May 2016 |access-date=19 May 2016}}</ref> By the evening of 19 May, rescuers feared that the remaining 134 people missing were dead.<ref name="BBC_1">{{cite news|work=BBC|date=19 May 2016|access-date=19 May 2016|title=Sri Lanka mudslide: Army fears 134 missing are dead|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36328863}}</ref> On 20 May, the Indian Navy Southern Naval Command sent its ships {{ship|INS|Sunayna}} and {{ship|HMIS|Sutlej|U95|6}} with relief material to the capital city, Colombo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cyclone ROANU: Indian naval ships rush to Sri Lanka with relief materials| url= http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/cyclone-roanu-indian-naval-ships-rush-to-sri-lanka-with-relief-materials-2810161/ |work= The Indian Express| date= 20 May 2016 | access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref> Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop pledged assistance to Sri Lanka, saying "The Australian Government stands ready to provide any assistance that our Sri Lankan friends may require in responding to this disaster."<ref>{{cite web| title=Australia offers assistance to Sri Lanka following the natural disaster| url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_16A/May20_1463712513CH.php| publisher=Colombo Page| access-date=20 May 2016| archive-date=19 November 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119132505/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_16A/May20_1463712513CH.php| url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Australia ready to help Sri Lanka following damaging landslides, floods: Aust'n FM| url= http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2016/05/20/political/82305| publisher=The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.| access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref> Pakistan's Government also sent field hospital and relief materials.<ref>{{cite web| title=Pakistan sends field hospital, relief items |url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109841/Pakistan-sends-field-hospital-relief-items| work=Daily Mirror| access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref> As the search operations resumed that day, rescuers continued recovering bodies of those buried in the landslides which also reportedly destroyed 66 houses in Elangapitiya.<ref>{{cite web| agency=The Associated Press| title=Search resumes in rain for missing in Sri Lankan landslide| url= http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002960806| work=Japan News| access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref> 200,000 people had to escape from the low-lying areas of Colombo on rubber dinghies and makeshift rafts. A total of 101 deaths and 100 missing persons have been reported.<ref name="SriLanka26/5">{{cite web|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/31688143/sri-lanka-rain-death-toll-hits-101-as-waters-recede/|title=Sri Lanka rain death toll hits 101 as waters recede|date=25 May 2016|publisher=Yahoo7|access-date=26 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525135306/https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/31688143/sri-lanka-rain-death-toll-hits-101-as-waters-recede/|archive-date=25 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Sri Lanka national cricket team donated {{Currency| 1000000| LKR}} ({{Currency|{{To USD| 1000000| LKA|year=2016|round=yes}}}}) to the victims of Roanu.<ref name="Roanu Sri Lanka 20/05">{{cite web| agency=Agence France-Presse| title=200,000 flee capital as Sri Lanka flood misery worsens| url= http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/05/146816/200000-flee-capital-sri-lanka-flood-misery-worsens| work=New Straits Times Press | date=20 May 2016|access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref>
Prior to the floods Sri Lanka was suffering a drought and consequently power cuts as reservoirs ran dry.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dissanayake|first1=Chaturi|title=Power cuts and drinking water shortage loom|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2016/03/28/local/77634|work=Daily News (Sri Lanka)|date=28 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ariyawansha|first1=Niranjala|title=One-hour power cuts imminent|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20160321CT20160630.php?id=522|work=Ceylon Today|date=27 March 2016|access-date=22 May 2016|archive-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624013738/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20160321CT20160630.php?id=522|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following the floods water levels in many of the reservoirs reached 75%, giving uninterrupted power supply according to the Ministry of Power and Energy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reservoirs filled to 75 percent|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109844/Reservoirs-filled-to-percent|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=22 May 2016}}</ref>
Unable to cope with the extent of the floods, the Sri Lankan government appealed for international assistance.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ramakrishnan|first1=T.|title=Sri Lanka's plea to friendly nations: provide whatever possible assistance|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/sri-lankas-plea-to-friendly-nations-provide-whatever-possible-assistance/article8626503.ece|work=The Hindu|date=20 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Pothmulla|first1=Lahiru|title=Foreign missions in SL express willingness to assist victims|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109748/Foreign-missions-in-SL-express-willingness-to-assist-victims|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=19 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Mudugamuwa|first1=Maheesha|title=Rescuers struggling to reach thousands of marooned victims|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=145558|work=The Island (Sri Lanka)|date=21 May 2016}}</ref> Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged Sri Lanka to provide assistance in dealing with the disaster which caused by cyclone Roanu.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-send-relief-materials-to-floodhit-sri-lanka/article8623894.ece| title=India steps in to assist Sri Lanka in cyclone relief| work=The Hindu | date=20 May 2016 | access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref> On 20 May the Indian Navy ships INS Sunayna and INS Sutlej arrived in Colombo with relief material.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian naval ships rushed to SL with relief materials|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109782/Indian-naval-ships-rushed-to-SL-with-relief-materials|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=20 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Cyclone ROANU: Indian naval ships rush to Sri Lanka with relief materials|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/cyclone-roanu-indian-naval-ships-rush-to-sri-lanka-with-relief-materials-2810161/|work=The Indian Express|agency=Asian News International|date=20 May 2016}}</ref> A flight from India arrived at BIA on 21 May carrying humanitarian aid.<ref name="DM210516b">{{cite news|last1=Kapila|first1=T. K. G.|title=Two flights from Japan, India arrive at BIA with humanitarian aid|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109824/Two-flights-from-Japan-India-arrive-at-BIA-with-humanitarian-aid|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=21 May 2016}}</ref> Pakistan announced it would send a 30-bed field hospital and relief materials.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pakistan sends field hospital, relief items|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109841/Pakistan-sends-field-hospital-relief-items|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=22 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ramakrishnan|first1=T.|title=Pakistan sends 30-bed field hospital to Sri Lanka, 17 doctors coming|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-sends-30bed-field-hospital-to-sri-lanka/article8633155.ece|work=The Hindu|date=22 May 2016}}</ref> Nepal offered $100,000 towards the relief operation.<ref name="DM210516a"/> The Singapore Red Cross announced that it will distribute {{currency|150000|US}} in relief items to survivors, and has a team on standby to assist in relief work.<ref>{{cite news|title=Singapore to contribute US$150,000 in aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-to-contribute/2808582.html|access-date=23 May 2016|agency=Channel NewsAsia|date=23 May 2016}}</ref> A flight from Japan arrived at BIA on 21 May carrying emergency relief items such as blankets, generators, water purifiers and water tanks.<ref name="DM210516b"/> Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop promised to provide any assistance to Sri Lankan government following the damages from landslides and floods.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2016/05/20/political/82305| title=Australia ready to help Sri Lanka following damaging landslides, floods: Aust'n FM| work=Daily News (Sri Lanka) | date=20 May 2016 | access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref> Australia has offered to contribute $500,000 to UNICEF for humanitarian assistance such as the provision of clean water and sanitation for children in shelters.<ref name="DM210516a">{{cite news|title=US, Australia to provide relief for affected people|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109830/US-Australia-to-provide-relief-for-affected-people|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)}}</ref> The United States Embassy in Colombo announced on 20 May that Rs.7.2 million (US$50,000) would be provided for immediate emergency relief items such as blankets, clothing, hygiene kits and mattresses whilst a three-year program totaling Rs.144 million (US$1 million) would provide safe, disaster-resilient drinking water for populations highly vulnerable to flooding and droughts.<ref name="DM210516a"/><ref>{{cite web|title=United States Offers Three-Year Program to Assist Flood Affected|url=http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/pr-20may16-2.html|publisher=Embassy of the United States to Sri Lanka & Maldives|date=20 May 2016|access-date=22 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610013219/http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/pr-20may16-2.html|archive-date=10 June 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 20 May, the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland expressed her profound on the victims of landslides in Sri Lanka, following the heavy rain.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/1002944/commonwealth-secretary-general-expresses-concern-for-landslide-and-flood-victims| title=Commonwealth Secretary-General expresses concern for landslide and flood victims| work=Sunday Times | date=20 May 2016 | access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref> The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has said that it and international NGOs were helping the Sri Lankan government with relief efforts on the ground.<ref>{{cite news|title=Will continue to support SL: UN|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/109831/Will-continue-to-support-SL-UN|work=The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|date=22 May 2016}}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|Tropical cyclones|Bangladesh}} * Cyclone Bijli * Cyclone Laila * Cyclone Viyaru * Cyclone Fani
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{reflist|2}}
==External links== {{commons category}}
* [http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc16/IO/01B.ROANU/ 01B.ROANU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711220804/https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc16/IO/01B.ROANU/ |date=11 July 2021 }} from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
{{2016 North Indian Ocean cyclone season buttons}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Roanu}} Category:2016 in Bangladesh Category:2016 disasters in India Category:2016 in Sri Lanka Category:2016 North Indian Ocean cyclone season Category:Cyclonic storms Category:Tropical cyclones in Bangladesh Category:Tropical cyclones in India Category:Tropical cyclones in Sri Lanka Category:May 2016 Category:Tropical cyclones in 2016