Sri Lanka closes offices, schools as landslides, floods kill 56
What's the story
Sri Lanka is reeling under one of its worst weather-related disasters in recent years, with at least 56 people dead and 21 missing due to floods and landslides. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that the central tea-growing district of Badulla was the worst affected, where a landslide buried 21 people in their homes overnight. The DMC said nearly 44,000 people have been affected by the extreme weather. Around 20,500 army troops have been deployed for relief and rescue operations.
Disruptions
Severe weather disrupts transportation, education in Sri Lanka
The extreme weather has also disrupted train services across the country and closed key interprovincial roads. The Railway Department canceled all trains except essential services from 06:00 on Friday. In addition, Advanced Level Exams were postponed, while the government announced the closing of all government offices and schools on Friday due to the severe weather conditions.
Cyclone alert
Cyclone Ditwah intensifies, raises flood risk in Sri Lanka
The situation is expected to worsen as Cyclone Ditwah moves along Sri Lanka's eastern coast. The cyclone started as a deep depression off the coast and has now intensified. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh between November 29 evening and the morning of November 30. The DMC has warned residents of low-lying areas to evacuate to higher ground as river levels continue to rise.
Historical context
Sri Lanka's worst flooding in recent years
Disaster management teams are clearing blocked roads and helping residents stranded by rising waters. This disaster is one of the worst weather-related disasters Sri Lanka has witnessed in recent years. The last major flooding incident was in June 2003, which killed 254 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. The country is currently experiencing its monsoon season, but such extreme weather conditions are rare during this time.