Disclaimer: Distressing content and images ahead. Reader’s discretion is advised.
In a terrible tragedy, multiple blasts across three hotels and three churches in Sri Lanka today left hundreds injured, and per the latest reports, at least 100 people dead. The explosions occurred at around 8:45 am local time
The blasts took place in and around Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. The three high-end hotels hit were the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, the Shangri-La, and the Kingsbury.
Additionally, blasts also wracked through three churches. The blasts took place during the Easter mass when many people had congregated at the church to offer prayers.
Consequently, people at the site of the attack took to social media to seek help
As of now, there is no clarity over the group responsible for the attack. Though there is no confirmation on the number of people injured or killed in the attack, the number is on a rise.
The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka has shared helpline numbers on Twitter and External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj also tweeted about keeping a close eye on the situation.
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
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 addition to the numbers given below, Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may also call the following numbers +94777902082 +94772234176
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 21, 2019
People took to social media to condemn this horrible attack, and to pray for the people in Sri Lanka.
I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) April 21, 2019
Easter Sunday bomb blasts in churches & hotels, killing many innocent people seems to be a well coordinated attempt to create murder,mayhem & anarchy.All those who cherish democracy,freedom & economic prosperity must unite now with nerves of steel to defeat this heinous attempt.
— Mangala Samaraweera (@MangalaLK) April 21, 2019
His Eminence Malcom Cardinal Ranjith requests public to remain calm and kindly requests donate blood for hospitals. He condemned the #EasterSunday attack #LKA #SriLanka #EasterSundayAttacksLK #EasterAttackSL #Colombo pic.twitter.com/D9nl8T9jYQ
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) April 21, 2019
Tragic Easter day attack — thinking Sri Lanka 💔https://t.co/pwjlAhIPqf
— Haider Nawab (@haidernawab) April 21, 2019
Shocked and deeply pained to hear about the terror attack on churches and hotels in Colombo on #EasterSunday. My prayers are with my brothers and sisters of #SriLanka. May God give them strength. pic.twitter.com/4VhySHC33o
— Dinesh Purohit (@Imdineshpurohit) April 21, 2019
🔴 #BREAKING: Horrible news out of #SriLanka, after mass terrorist attack on at least three churches and two hotels, as #Christians celebrate #Easter. At least 49 killed and hundreds injured!https://t.co/2AnrbR9QlH pic.twitter.com/2CC2JIzi2N
— Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) April 21, 2019
Once There was a Humanity!
— Gowhar MG (@GowharMg) April 21, 2019
42+ people lost lives in Sri Lanka Terror Attack!#SrilankaBleeds pic.twitter.com/nkE7Y8wVmG
What is happening to this world.May Allah help us all . really shocking, cowardly terror attack in SriLanka Saddened and shocked at the disturbing news coming in from Sri Lanka. All forms of violence are unacceptable. Easter is a Festival of Peace.
— ABU TALHA KHAN (@khantalhazmi) April 21, 2019
Absolutely awful news out of #SriLanka on #EasterSunday. At least 50 dead and 300 injured in attacks against 3 churches and 2 hotels. This would be the country’s worst terror attack in over a decade
— Anna Ahronheim (@AAhronheim) April 21, 2019
The monstrous attack on peaceful Churchgoers in #SriLanka is deeply disturbing! Innocent lives have been lost and their families left to deal with this senseless act of inhumanity! Prayers and condolences!https://t.co/ukinEeYLcs
— Vijay Inder Singla (@VijayIndrSingla) April 21, 2019
When places of peace and worship are ravaged by such violence, then it’s a sad day for humanity all over.
