Sri Lanka Faces Devastating Floods: Schools Closed, Thousands Displaced

Sri Lanka experienced severe flooding and mudslides due to heavy rainfall, causing schools to close and resulting in at least 10 deaths and six missing persons. Over 5,000 residents have been evacuated, while the government deployed navy and army troops for rescue operations.

Sri Lanka closed schools on Monday due to severe flooding and mudslides that have claimed at least 10 lives and left six people missing, according to officials.

The education ministry stated that the reopening of schools would depend on weather developments, as the heavy rains continued to batter the island nation since Sunday.

Significant damage was reported with homes, fields, and roads submerged, leading authorities to cut electricity in affected areas for safety.

The disaster management center confirmed six casualties from drowning in Colombo and Rathnapura and three more deaths from earth collapses. One person was also killed by a falling tree, and six others remain missing.

The flooding has displaced over 5,000 people, with more than 400 homes damaged as of Monday, as stated by the disaster management center.

Navy and army personnel have been deployed to carry out rescue operations and supply essential goods to those impacted. Sri Lanka has been facing severe weather since mid-May due to monsoon rains, including strong winds that previously claimed nine lives.