At least 15 individuals have lost their lives and over 19,000 people from more than 5,000 families have been affected due to severe monsoonal rainfall in Sri Lanka over the weekend, according to authorities on Sunday.
The fatalities occurred across 7 districts, including the capital, Colombo, where torrential rains exceeding 300 mm led to flash floods, uprooted trees, strong winds, lightning, and landslides, as reported by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
The adverse weather conditions caused partial damage to more than 4,000 homes, with 28 houses completely destroyed.
In response to the crisis, the Sri Lankan Army deployed 7 teams with boats for rescue operations, while the Air Force kept three helicopters on standby for immediate emergency response in the affected regions.
Given the forecast for continued rainfall and potential flooding, the Ministry of Education has announced the closure of all schools across the island for Monday.
Additionally, the Ministry of Power and Energy has suspended electricity supplies in several areas as a precautionary measure.
The National Building Research Centre has issued red notices for landslides in four districts, warning residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
