Sri Lanka is grappling with the aftermath of torrential rains that have left 12 people dead, including six children whose bodies were recovered on Thursday. The flooding has forced over 335,000 people to flee their homes, according to the country’s Disaster Management Center (DMC).
The six children were traveling in a tractor and trailer in the eastern Ampara district when floodwaters swept them away. The two men driving the vehicle remain missing, and search efforts are ongoing.
The storm, described as a “deep depression,” has already caused significant destruction in Sri Lanka and is now heading toward India. Indian meteorological officials have warned that the system, currently over the southwest Bay of Bengal, could intensify as it moves north. It is expected to land on the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastlines by Saturday morning, with wind speeds gusting up to 70 km/h (43 mph).
In Sri Lanka, the floods and mudslides have damaged nearly 1,800 homes, with 100 destroyed. The government has deployed over 2,700 military personnel to aid in relief efforts and provide temporary shelter for displaced residents.
Flooding and landslides are common in South Asia, but experts warn that climate change amplifies the frequency and severity of such disasters. As the storm approaches India, authorities are on high alert to minimize potential damage and loss of life.
The six children were traveling in a tractor and trailer in the eastern Ampara district when floodwaters swept them away. The two men driving the vehicle remain missing, and search efforts are ongoing.
The storm, described as a “deep depression,” has already caused significant destruction in Sri Lanka and is now heading toward India. Indian meteorological officials have warned that the system, currently over the southwest Bay of Bengal, could intensify as it moves north. It is expected to land on the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastlines by Saturday morning, with wind speeds gusting up to 70 km/h (43 mph).
In Sri Lanka, the floods and mudslides have damaged nearly 1,800 homes, with 100 destroyed. The government has deployed over 2,700 military personnel to aid in relief efforts and provide temporary shelter for displaced residents.
Flooding and landslides are common in South Asia, but experts warn that climate change amplifies the frequency and severity of such disasters. As the storm approaches India, authorities are on high alert to minimize potential damage and loss of life.
