flood,sri lankan
© UnknownFloods have inundated the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo
Sri Lankan government officials have confirmed that flooding caused by heavy rains has taken 18 lives and forced 200,000 people to evacuate their homes.

Monsoon rains in the east and north-eastern parts have caused flooding which has affected an estimated one million people according to the State Disaster Management Centre.

Flood waters are reported to be up to one metre in some areas and warnings of mudslides have been issued. The flooding comes as Australia and the Philippines battle devastating floods of their own. Europe is also just recovering from a severe winter snap that caused massive public and transportation delays.

The Sri Lankan government has sent in its army, navy and air force to help in the relief effort. It is estimated that around 160,000 of rice paddy fields have been flooded causing worries about the years rice harvest.

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