Colombo, May 26 (NIA) – At least six people were killed and several others missing when two landslides were reported from different locations in Bulathsinhala, in Sri Lanka’s southern Kalutara Dstrict on Friday following strong winds and heavy rainfalls, police said.
Police said that according to reports several people were missing and rescue operations are currently underway at both locations.
The landslides had been reported from Kosbawaka and Delpawatta.
Meanwhile police said that several people were also missing due to a flood situation in Agalawatta also in the Kalutara district and the tri forces and rescue teams had been deployed on rescue missions.
Airforce helicopters were also dispatched to assist people trapped in their homes and other locations due to rising water levels.
Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Center on Friday issued a flood and landslide warnings in several areas of the country, following hours of heavy rains and strong winds.
The tri forces have been deployed to evacuate thousands living close to river banks as water levels in the rivers have risen.
Landslide warnings have been issued in six districts – Hambantota, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Galle, Matara and Kalutara, DMC Spokesperson Pradeep Kodippilli said.
Although the exact number of those affected is still unknown, rescue and evacuation missions were ongoing in several areas.
Highways and railway lines in several areas remained inundated hampering transport services while schools across the Sabaragamuwa Province remained closed on Friday.
The Meteoroglogy Department in its latest weather report warned that while the South-west monsoon conditions were establishing over the country, Showery and windy conditions were expected to continue over the south-western part of the country.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-western provinces.
Heavy falls (more than 150 mm) can be expected at some places, the Meteorology Department said.
