Amid the clutches of a devastating natural disaster, Sri Lanka has closed government offices and schools as the death toll from floods and landslides across the country has risen to 56. Media reports suggest that close to 600 houses have been damaged as residents try to find a refuge from the growing tribulations.
The onslaught of severe weather started last week, and the conditions started to worsen on Thursday with heavy downpours that flooded the homes, fields and roads. Such heavy rainfall triggered landslides across the country.
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As per the latest update, more than 25 people were killed on Thursday in landslides in the central mountains tea growing regions of Badulla and Nuwara Elya, which is situated about 300km (186 miles) east of the capital Colombo.
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According to a report by Al Jazeera, 21 people were missing, and 14 were injured in the Badulla and Nuwara Eliya areas, according to the government disaster management centre, quoted by the Associated Press news agency.
Prime Minsiter Modi on Solidarity with Sri Lanka
Witnessing the widespread destruction, Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones after Cyclone Ditwah. He added that he prays for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families.
In solidarity with the closest Maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under the operations Sagar Bandhu.
Impact on daily life
As the weather conditions worsened, the government announced the closure of all government offices and schools on Friday. Due to the heavy downpour, most reservoirs and rivers overflowed, blocking roads. To ensure the safety of the passengers, Authorities stopped passenger trains and closed roads in many parts of the country after rocks, mud and trees fell on roads and railway tracks, which were also flooded in some areas.
Local television showed an air force helicopter rescuing three people stranded on the roof of a house surrounded by floods on Thursday, The police used the Navy and the Police used boats to transport residents.