Floods and landslides claim 65 lives in Sri Lanka

Floods and landslides in the southern and western regions of Sri Lanka have claimed 65 lives.

Of the dead, 37 were reported in Kalutara district and 28 in Ratnapura district. Many are said to be missing, 70 from Kalutara district alone.

A total of 7,856 people of 2,811 families were affected in the Sabaragamuwa, western and southern provinces by torrential rains, according to the Disaster Management Centre or DMC.

The floods have marooned 7,157 people in Galle, the worst-affected district.

The DMC has advised the public to evacuate from unstable slopes to minimise disasters due to landslides or rock falls in Kegalle, Galle, Kalutara, Matara and Hambantota districts, if the showers continue for the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department said rains and windy conditions are expected to continue over the south-western region.

The government has closed schools in the affected areas and has cancelled all exams which were due to be held at this time.