 "Residents wade through a flooded street after heavy rainfall. Image Credit: AFP")
At least 31 people died after devastating floods and landslides hit Sri Lanka. About 14 have gone missing this week, while weather depletion continues.
The intense weather has caused widespread destruction, displacement of people particularly in central, eastern, and southwestern parts of the country.
Badulla was hit the hardest where most of the deaths occurred and about 16 people were buried alive when mountain slopes crashed into their homes, according to the statement of Disaster Management Centre.
The rescue efforts by the military and police are ongoing, deploying boats, helicopters, and vehicles to reach those stranded or missing.
Houses damaged
About 400 homes were damaged in the steep mudslides with over 1,100 families displaced to live in temporary shelters.
DMC warned about the rising level of river levels in Sri Lanka and advised people who are living in low-lying areas to shift to higher grounds.
Sri Lanka which is already facing an economical crisis is expected to receive more than 100 millimetres of rainfall with some areas to be deluged with 250 millimetres.
Early stats
In December last year, about 17 people died due to flood and landslides in Sri Lanka. The country is facing frequent floods due to change in the climate.