COLOMBO – Heavy rain has lashed Sri Lanka triggering floods and landslides that killed at least 17 people and forced tens of thousands from their homes, officials said on Monday.
After days of rain, rivers on the island nation’s southern and western plains overflowed on the weekend, inundating low-lying areas and forcing thousands into relief centers.
“Water levels are receding but landslide warnings are still in place in 10 districts,” said Pradeep Kodippili, assistant director of the National Disaster Management Centre.
More than 270,000 people were affected and about 100,000 buildings lost power.
The natural disaster came as Sri Lanka is hoping to ease restrictions to tackle the novel coronavirus disease 2019. A month-long lockdown to fight a third wave of infections is due to end on June 14.(Reuters)
