Heavy rain and flooding in Sri Lanka have resulted in at least six deaths, according to local media citing police. One person was reportedly swept away by floodwaters and remains missing, local media reports added.
Disaster Management Centre spokesperson Pradeep Kodippili stated that rains and floods damaged 129 houses in the country. Kodippili also reported that nearly 2,000 people have been evacuated.
Pradeep Kodippili said five people reportedly died after being buried in mudslides that overran two houses in the central region of Sri Lanka. While some reports indicate one person is missing, Kodippili stated two people have gone missing.
People injured in floods and mudslides, according to officials.
Regional impact and emergency response
The Ada Derana news outlet reported that severe weather has affected Sabaragamuwa province and the districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. According to officials, schools in the mountainous districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya were reportedly closed on Tuesday due to the weather and triggered floods and mudslides.
Red-level landslide evacuation warnings were issued for several areas. source_ref: claim:5. Additionally, red advisories for strong winds and rough seas remained in effect for coastal waters. source_ref: claim:6. The government Disaster Management Center warned of strong winds in the North Central, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces, as well as the Trincomalee district. source_ref: claim:7
Army personnel and Navy troops have been deployed to affected areas to assist with rescue and relief operations. Local television channel Hiru TV showed troops and civilians rescuing people trapped in their homes.
In November, Cyclone Ditwa killed nearly 640 people and affected 2 million people in Sri Lanka, causing an estimated $4.1 billion in damage. The Central province was the hardest hit by that cyclone. source_ref: claim:18, claim:19
