At least 30 dead, many missing as heavy rains trigger landslides and floods in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has been battling severe rain-related chaos. Torrential rains have triggered floods and landslides, leaving at least 30 people dead and nearly 4,000 affected over the last 11 days, as the island nation faces one of its worst weather crises. Numerous people are reportedly missing.

Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre said on Thursday that 18 deaths were reported from the central hill districts alone due to landslides.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had called a crisis meeting to assess the deteriorating situation in 17 of the 25 administrative districts.