Severe flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains have wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka, leading to the displacement of thousands and the loss of at least one life.

Eight people, including six school children, are still missing after a farm tractor carrying them was swept away by floodwaters in the eastern region of the country. A rescue operation is currently underway to locate the missing individuals.

In another incident, a woman tragically lost her life when a brick wall collapsed on her in the mountainous region of Badulla. Additionally, eight others sustained injuries due to various weather-related incidents.

The Disaster Management Center reported that over 3,000 people have been forced to seek refuge in evacuation centers, while nearly 600 homes have been damaged.

The Sri Lankan military and navy have been deployed to assist with rescue efforts and provide essential supplies to affected communities.

The Meteorology Department has issued a warning, indicating that a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm on Thursday, potentially exacerbating the ongoing adverse weather conditions. (ILKHA)