Sri Lanka has closed its schools due to floods and landslides , caused by heavy rains in many parts of the country. The bad weather caused the death of 10 people, and 6 people are missing, the Associated Press and BTA reported, citing representatives of local authorities.
The Ministry of Education announced that the opening of schools will depend on the development of the meteorological situation.
Since yesterday, heavy rains have been lashing many parts of the country, causing severe damage and flooding and forcing authorities to cut power as a precautionary measure.
Six people died after being swept away by floods in the capital, Colombo. Three others died when mudslides fell on their houses, and one person died after being pinned by a fallen tree. Six people are missing.
To date, more than 5,000 people have been moved to evacuation centers and more than 400 houses have been damaged, the center said in a statement.
Navy and ground forces have been dispatched to rescue victims and provide food and other essential goods to those affected.
Since mid-May, Sri Lanka has been facing severe weather conditions caused by heavy monsoon rains. Earlier, strong winds brought down trees in many areas, killing nine people.