Severe Floods in Sri Lanka : Four Dead, Thousands Affected by Torrential Rains

Intense rains caused by a massive weather system in the southwest Bay of Bengal have wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka, leaving four people dead, including two children, and at least eight missing. Over 230,000 individuals have been affected, with widespread flooding inundating homes, roads, and fields, authorities reported on Wednesday.

The inclement weather, resulting from a Deep Depression likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm, has forced the diversion of six Colombo-bound flights to Indian and other Sri Lankan airports. Rescue efforts are underway with army and navy troops deployed to aid those impacted, while train services in mountainous regions have been suspended.

Amid the crisis, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed two additional deaths from incidents elsewhere in the country, and over 10,000 individuals have been relocated to 104 relief centers. Landslide warnings remain in effect for four provinces, as authorities brace for further challenges from the worsening weather conditions.