Sri Lanka closed schools in the capital Colombo and surrounding areas Monday as heavy monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding across the island nation.
The country’s Disaster Management Centre reported three drowning deaths and said approximately 134,000 people have been affected by the floods. Nearly 7,000 residents have been evacuated from their homes.
Weekend downpours caused extensive damage, with 240 houses reported damaged. Floodwaters submerged homes, agricultural fields, and roads in many areas. Some suburbs of Colombo saw flood levels reach the roofs of houses and shops.
Authorities have deployed navy and army troops for rescue operations and to distribute food and essential supplies to affected areas. As a precautionary measure, electricity has been cut in some flood-hit regions.
The flooding is part of a broader pattern of severe weather that has impacted Sri Lanka since May. In June, 16 people died due to floods and mudslides caused by heavy monsoon rains.
Local television broadcasts showed images of inundated towns in Colombo’s suburbs, highlighting the extent of the flooding.
The current weather crisis adds to the challenges faced by Sri Lanka, which has been grappling with an economic crisis in recent years.
