Sri Lanka shuts schools as floods and mudslides kill 7

Schools across Sri Lanka have been shut down as the nation grapples with the devastating impact of torrential rains, which have triggered widespread flooding and deadly mudslides. The severe weather has left a trail of destruction, damaging at least 129 homes and displacing nearly 3,500 residents who have been forced to evacuate their properties.

Officials have confirmed that the relentless downpour has claimed the lives of at least seven people. The scale of the disaster has prompted authorities to take the precautionary measure of closing educational institutions to ensure the safety of students and staff. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as rescue and relief operations continue in the affected areas.

The meteorological department had issued warnings about the heavy rainfall, but the intensity of the storms appears to have exceeded expectations, leading to flash floods and landslides in several regions. Communities are bracing for further impacts as the weather system is expected to persist, exacerbating the already critical situation.