Sri Lanka has suspended passenger train services and closed roads across several districts after days of intense rainfall triggered deadly landslides and widespread flooding, leaving more than 30 people dead and at least 14 missing, according to officials on Thursday.
The government’s Disaster Management Center confirmed that 18 of the reported fatalities occurred in the tea-growing highland districts of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, located nearly 300 kilometers east of Colombo, according to information shared with the Associated Press. The same regions recorded 14 missing individuals following multiple landslides.
The death toll has risen to 31 since last week, when severe weather swept across the country. Heavy downpours earlier in the week caused extensive destruction, inundating homes, farmland and roads.
Overflowing rivers and reservoirs contributed to major transport disruptions. Authorities reported closures of key interprovincial routes as floodwaters made several stretches of road impassable.
Rail transport was significantly affected after boulders, mud and fallen trees blocked tracks in mountainous areas. Local television footage showed workers clearing debris from rail lines, while other images revealed tracks submerged beneath floodwaters.
Scenes broadcast by Sri Lankan television also showed naval personnel transporting stranded residents and flood currents sweeping away a vehicle near Ampara, roughly 412 kilometers east of the capital.
The Disaster Management Center reported that adverse weather has impacted nearly 4,000 households nationwide.
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