Six killed, over 5 000 affected by incessant rains in Sri Lanka

Six people have been killed and more than 5 000 affected by days of strong winds and heavy rains that triggered flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Center confirmed on Monday, December 2, 2019.

Four out of the six fatalities were in the Nuwara Eliya district in the central highlands, which was also one of the worst-hit areas.

More than 120 houses have been partially or totally damaged. Over 600 people had been evacuated to safer locations.

The Disaster Management Center added that tri-forces had been deployed in many of the affected areas and were conducting rescue missions since then.

A landslide warning has been issued for several districts including Ratnapura. Residents near landslide-prone areas have been warned to vacate promptly.

According to the Meteorology Department's weather update on December 2 issued at 07:00 UTC, further rains were expected in the following days due to the northeast monsoons.

"Prevailing showery condition is expected to continue over the island next few days," the agency said. "Fairly heavy showers about 75 to 100 mm (3 to 4 inches) are likely at some places in Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Western, Southern provinces and in Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts."

"General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers."

Featured image credit: @senior_tamilan/Twitter