Floods force school closures in Sri Lanka after deadly landslides

Tuesday 04 - 20:20

By: Azzat Manal

Floods force school closures in Sri Lanka after deadly landslides

Heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding and landslides across parts of Sri Lanka, prompting authorities to close several schools in the country's central highlands as emergency teams respond to the growing humanitarian situation.

According to disaster management officials, at least five people have lost their lives after landslides struck residential areas, while several others were injured and additional individuals remain missing. Rescue operations are continuing as emergency crews search affected communities and assess the extent of the damage.

The intense rainfall has damaged homes, flooded roads, and disrupted agricultural land in multiple districts. Thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes and seek temporary shelter as rising water levels and unstable terrain continue to threaten vulnerable communities.

The central mountainous region has been among the hardest-hit areas, where saturated soil has increased the risk of further landslides. In response, local authorities suspended classes at schools located in high-risk zones to protect students and staff until weather conditions improve.

Military personnel, emergency services, and disaster response agencies have been deployed to assist with rescue operations, evacuations, and the delivery of essential supplies. Authorities are also monitoring rivers and reservoirs closely while urging residents living in flood-prone and hillside areas to follow official safety instructions.

Sri Lanka regularly experiences heavy seasonal rainfall during the monsoon period, with floods and landslides posing recurring challenges in many parts of the country. Experts emphasize that improved disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and early warning systems remain essential for reducing the impact of increasingly frequent extreme weather events associated with climate change.