On the occasion of Easter, blasts occurred at three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka's capital city, Colombo. People had gathered in churches for Easter celebrations on Sunday when the incident occurred. According to Sri Lankan media, more than 25 people have died and over 200 are injured. As details on the incident come in, social media has been filled with tweets condemning the attack. Messages of condolences are also pouring in for Sri Lankans from across the world on Twitter.
Churches which witnessed the blasts are Kochikade Church, Katuwapitiya Church and a church in Batticaloa. Five-star hotels that were affected in the explosions include Shangri-La Hotel, Cinnamon Grand Hotel and Kingsbury Hotel. Injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals. Serial Blasts In Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, Churches And Hotels Hit; Nearly 25 People Dead, Over 200 Rushed to Hospital.
Check out the Twitter reactions below:
The intent to cause well-planned terror attacks and injury to innocent, unarmed devotees of a certain faith on their holiest day is vile. As a Catholic I’m angry, I’m disgusted, I’m sad and heartbroken to see this happen in #SriLanka.
— Aruni Abeyesundere (@aruni_t) April 21, 2019
Meanwhile, a helpline number has been issued for Indians trying to contact their people in Sri Lanka. The Indian embassy in Sri Lanka has tweeted out helpline numbers.
Check out the tweet below:
Explosions have been reported in Colombo and Batticaloa today. We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 21, 2019
Soon after the blasts, police confirmed the attacks.
Praying for the safety of everyone affected. #SriLanka
— hend amry (@LibyaLiberty) April 21, 2019
According to the reports, high-end hotels were targeted in quick succession following the churches.
Let's Stay Strong #SRILANKA. 🇱🇰 pic.twitter.com/A34oASaVaK
— Yashan De Silva (@YashBoy007) April 21, 2019
We hope loved ones of those affected in the blasts gets enough strength to go through the tough situation.
I hope everybody here is okay. Refrain from public gatherings and transportation unless you're clear to go #SriLanka
— kaSZa💡 (@kasunsoysa) April 21, 2019
The explosions reportedly occurred around 8:45 am local time; the nature of the blasts are not immediately clear.
Just 2 weeks ago @mvadera &I went to spend a quick day in #colombo a city we love, in a country we absolutely adore .#SriLanka India is with u in your hour of grief and pain. We absolutely can't wait to come back post elections .. India is with you
— Tehseen Poonawalla (@tehseenp) April 21, 2019
High security in currently in place in the country.
Explosions have been reported in Colombo and Batticaloa today. We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 21, 2019
In Sri Lanka, an emergency security council meeting has been called to review the attacks.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families in Sri Lanka #SriLanka
— VegasBuffalo (@vegasbuffalo) April 21, 2019
External Affairs Minister of Sushma Swaraj reacted to the incident. Swaraj tweeted saying, "I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation."
Check out the tweet below:
Colombo - I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. @IndiainSL
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019
According to AFP, an official at the Batticaloa hospital said that more than 300 people have been affected in the blasts. Following the incident, security has been tightened in Sri Lanka and India. Most injured in the blasts were staying in hotels. So far, no terror groups have claimed responsibility for the attacks.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 21, 2019 11:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).