Heavy rains kill 2 in Sri Lanka

At least two people were killed and thousands had been displaced due to heavy rains and strong winds in many parts of Sri Lanka on Sunday, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) said.

The DMC, in a statement said that one person had also been reported missing from the Ratnapura District in the Sabaragamuwa Province and search operations were underway to locate the individual.

Over 7,000 people have been affected and 422 have been displaced by the rains and winds which began on Saturday evening.

At least 30 houses were also damaged owing to a tornado in the southern coastal town of Panadura and a search and rescue operation had been launched by the army in the area.

Extreme weather with heavy winds and rainfalls continued for the second day on Sunday after the local Meteorology Department said an atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka had intensified into a low pressure area and had established in southeastern Sri Lanka.

Weather alerts said that heavy rains were expected to continue for at least 48 more hours.

Earlier on Sunday, the DMC issued landslide warnings to seven districts and advised residents in those areas to remain cautious.

Sluice gates of at least 2 dams were also opened as waters reached high levels and people in nearby areas were evacuated.

Several roads in many parts of the country were cut off due to floods and the Sri Lanka Red Cross said its staff has been placed on alert to assist anyone who may be affected by the bad weather.

Armed forces have also been put on alert and the Defence Ministry advised the public to get emergency assistance from the troops.

Source: XINHUA