Heavy rains in Sri Lanka close schools: At least 5 dead in floods and landslides
Schools in mountainous regions have been closed; approximately 2,000 people have been evacuated in the disasters that claimed five lives, and two people remain missing.
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Heavy rains that have been affecting Sri Lanka for two days have caused loss of life and widespread damage, particularly in the mountainous regions in the central parts of the country. Authorities reported that schools in the mountainous areas were closed on Tuesday due to floods and landslides.
According to the government's Disaster Management Center, at least 5 people have lost their lives and 3 people have been injured in the disaster. The center's spokesperson, Pradeep Kodippili, announced that 2 people are also missing following landslides that swallowed two houses in the central region.
Following the downpours, houses, agricultural lands, and roads were submerged. The Disaster Management Center announced that 129 houses were damaged due to the rains and floods, and approximately 2,000 people were evacuated.
EVACUATIONS AND ROAD CLOSURES
Navy and army units have been deployed to rescue those stranded in floodwaters and to ensure their evacuation to safe areas. Local broadcasts featured footage of soldiers and civilians helping people who were trapped in their homes or at risk from mudslides.
It was reported that some main roads in the central parts of the country were also closed to traffic due to landslides, giant boulders, and fallen utility poles. Transportation disruptions in the region are also complicating search and rescue and evacuation efforts.
The latest disaster occurred at a time when Sri Lanka was trying to recover from the effects of Cyclone Ditwa, which struck the country in November. In that cyclone, approximately 640 people lost their lives, 2 million people were affected, and the damage was estimated at approximately 4.1 billion dollars.
In Sri Lanka, monsoon rains can cause landslides, especially in the mountainous regions in the central part, and floods in low-lying areas. Landslides and floods are among the primary natural disasters in the country that result in loss of life and serious material damage every year.