Colombo: At least 15 people were killed and more than 19,000 others from over 5,000 families were trapped over the weekend as severe monsoonal downpours inflicted widespread devastation in Sri Lanka, authorities said on Sunday. Torrential downpours exceeding 300 mm have triggered flash floods, uprooted trees, unleashed strong winds, and lightning, and caused landslides in the country, as per authorities.
The fatalities were reported from seven districts, including the capital Colombo, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Twenty of the 25 administrative districts have been severely affected due to the rains. More than 4,000 homes have suffered partial damage, with 28 houses completely obliterated.