Sri Lanka closes some schools as heavy rains trigger floods and mudslides, killing 5

Sri Lanka has closed schools in its tea-growing mountainous regions due to heavy rains that have triggered floods and mudslides, resulting in the deaths of five people and three injuries, according to officials. The severe weather has caused widespread damage across many parts of the country, with the central region being the most affected.

In the recent tragedy, two houses were completely buried by mudslides, causing the loss of five lives. Three more individuals sustained injuries, while two people are currently missing. The Disaster Management Center reported that the floods and heavy rains have damaged 129 houses and led to the evacuation of nearly 2,000 people.

Both the navy and army have been deployed to aid in rescuing those trapped in the floods and facilitating their relocation to safer areas. Local news channels have captured images of troops and civilians rescuing people from their homes, as well as the destruction of huge rocks, mudslides, and fallen electric posts obstructing major roads in the central region.

The country is already grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, which struck in November, killing nearly 640 people, affecting two million, and causing an estimated $4.1 billion in damage. The Central province, the region hit hardest by that cyclone, is still in the process of rebuilding roads, railways, and houses.