Severe flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka have led to the closure of government offices and schools, resulting in the loss of 56 lives.
The nation has been hammered by heavy rainfall, causing flooding in structures and vital infrastructure while triggering landslides. The downpours have led to the overflow of reservoirs and rivers, resulting in road blockages.
Due to deteriorating weather conditions in the tropical nation, the government announced the closure of schools and all government offices on November 28.
The recent landslides in the Badulla and Nuwara Eliya areas, located approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of the capital, Colombo, claimed the lives of more than 25 individuals on November 27. Additionally, 14 people sustained injuries, and 21 individuals remain unaccounted for in these regions.
Further casualties were reported from landslides occurring in various parts of the country, as per the Associated Press.
In response to blocked transportation routes due to debris and flooding in multiple areas, authorities halted passenger trains and closed roads across the nation.
According to AP, local television broadcasts showcased an air force helicopter conducting rescue operations to save individuals stranded on a roof amidst floodwaters, while the navy and police utilized boats for evacuation purposes.
A distressing incident near the town of Ampara involved a car being swept away by floodwaters, resulting in the tragic deaths of three occupants.
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