2024-06-03 03:47:35
At least 15 people were killed and more than 19,000 others from over 5,000 families were marooned over the weekend as severe monsoonal rainfall inflicted widespread devastation in Sri Lanka, authorities said on Sunday.
The fatalities were reported from seven districts, including the capital Colombo, where torrential rain exceeding 300 mm triggered flash floods, uprooted trees, unleashed strong winds, and lightning, and caused landslides, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.
Twenty of the 25 administrative districts were severely affected due to the rainfall.
More than 4,000 homes suffered partial damage, with 28 houses completely obliterated.
The Sri Lankan Army mobilised seven teams equipped with boats for rescue operations. The Air Force put three helicopters on standby for immediate emergency response in the affected areas.
Anticipating further rainfall and flooding, the Ministry of Education announced the closure of all schools across the island for Monday.
As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Power and Energy suspended electricity supplies to several areas.
The National Building Research Centre issued red notices for landslides for four districts.
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