Sri Lanka has shut down schools across its central highlands following torrential rains that triggered mudslides and flash floods, resulting in at least seven deaths and multiple injuries. According to Pradeep Kodippili, spokesperson for the government’s Disaster Management Centre, five people died after being buried in mudslides that destroyed two houses in the central region, while two others were killed in floods.
The heavy rainfall struck the mountainous tea-growing areas, including the districts of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla, regions known for their steep terrain and vulnerability to landslides during the monsoon season. The rains have damaged 129 houses and forced the evacuation of nearly 3,500 people.
This latest flooding comes as the region continues to recover from Cyclone Ditwah, which struck last November, killing nearly 640 people and causing an estimated $4.1 billion in damage.
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