Deadly Deluge: Sri Lanka Shuts Schools as Floods and Mudslides Claim 7 Lives

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Authorities in Sri Lanka have ordered the immediate closure of schools across the country's central highlands after days of heavy monsoon downpours triggered devastating flash floods and fatal mudslides, leaving at least seven people dead.

The disaster has struck the island nation's mountainous tea-growing belt, dealing a fresh blow to communities still recovering from historic weather disruptions.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the torrential rains over the past 48 hours inundated homes, agricultural fields, and key transportation corridors. Five victims lost their lives when massive mudslides overran two houses in the central highlands, while two others were killed in flood-related incidents.

Spokesperson Pradeep Kodippili confirmed that several people sustained injuries, while nearly 3,500 residents have been evacuated to emergency relief shelters as floodwaters continue to rise. At least 129 homes have suffered structural damage, and major roads across districts like Nuwara Eliya and Badulla remain blocked by mudflows, uprooted trees, and fallen power lines.

In response to the growing crisis, the Sri Lankan government deployed Army and Navy personnel to conduct search-and-rescue operations. Emergency crews utilized specialized boats to navigate flooded streets and rescue families trapped inside submerged houses.

Education officials ordered all schools in the worst-affected central districts to close indefinitely until weather conditions stabilize and safety assessments of school buildings are completed.

The severe weather comes as Sri Lanka struggles to fully recover from the lingering aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the region late last year, killing nearly 640 people and causing billions in infrastructure damage.

With the Disaster Management Centre issuing high-level landslide alerts for surrounding hill slopes, residents in low-lying and risk-prone areas have been urged to stay vigilant and strictly adhere to evacuation orders.

Humanitarian agencies and local volunteer groups have begun mobilizing emergency supplies, distributing clean water, dry food rations, and medical assistance to temporary displacement centers. However, relief efforts continue to be severely hindered by continuous rains and damaged infrastructure, leaving several remote villages in the highlands temporarily cut off from primary transport networks. State officials announced that emergency funds are being cleared to accelerate clear-up operations on vital roadways, though meteorologists warn that persistent rain forecast for the coming days could further delay recovery efforts and elevate the risk of secondary landslides.