Sri Lanka's Flood Crisis: A Nation Battles Nature's Fury

Sri Lanka is facing a severe crisis due to floods and landslides, resulting in 56 deaths and 21 missing. The government declared a public holiday excluding essential services. Over 43,991 people from 12,313 families are affected. Cyclonic storm Ditwah poses additional risks with heavy rain and high winds.

The crisis in Sri Lanka has deepened as the death toll from floods and landslides reaches 56, with 21 individuals still unaccounted for. In response, the government has declared a public holiday, exempting essential services only.

In the last 72 hours alone, the island nation has recorded 46 fatalities due to adverse weather. The Disaster Management Centre reports that 43,991 people spanning 12,313 families have been impacted.

Compounding the situation, Cyclonic storm Ditwah is nearing the eastern district of Trincomalee, bringing heavy showers, thunderstorms, and severe winds. Authorities have suspended railway services and diverted SriLankan Airlines flights as precautionary measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)