Sri Lanka floods and landslides kill 47, dozens missing

At least 47 people have died and another 21 are reported missing following ten days of heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides across Sri Lanka, local media reported on Thursday (27 November).

Rescue operations are ongoing in the most affected areas as the island nation continues to experience severe weather, including rising floodwaters and repeated landslides, which have disrupted daily life across multiple districts since 17 November, according to  reports.

Of the total fatalities, 37 were reported over the past two days. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) stated that more than 5,893 people in 17 districts have been severely affected, with 10 others injured.

Batticaloa district recorded more than 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rainfall during this period, an unusually high amount for a single event.

A low-pressure system remains in place over the country, generating heavy winds and successive waves of intense rain. Authorities have issued a red-alert landslide warning for eight high-risk districts, highlighting the severe danger to hillside communities and vulnerable areas.

Residents in these regions have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and be prepared for immediate evacuation from their homes.

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