COLOMBO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and seven were reported missing as strong winds and heavy rains lashed out across Sri Lanka since Saturday, the Disaster Management Center said in its latest update on Monday.
The five deaths were reported from the Eastern District of Trincomalee and in the lower central hills of Badulla.
Over 9,000 people were affected by the adverse weather while hundreds of families were evacuated from their homes as the Meteorology Department warned of more rains in the coming days.
DMC Spokesperson Pradeep Kodippili said five major rivers were at spill level and those living in low areas were evacuated to safer levels.
He said floods were also reported from the Ratnapura District, in the Sabaragamuwa province, and a landslide warning had been issued for Kalutara, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Kurunegala.
"The police and tri forces are all on standby and assisting in relief efforts. We request the people in low areas to move to safer locations," he said.
The Disaster Management Center also released a series of safety instructions and requested the public to use emergency line 117 to inform and seek assistance at any emergency situation.
Meanwhile Sri Lankan Education Ministry in a statement said schools in the rain affected areas in the Sabaragamuwa Province would remain closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Sri Lanka is facing its annual south west monsoons with the Meteorological Department, in its latest weather report warning of more rains in several districts across the country in the coming days.
"Very heavy falls, about 150 millimeters can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Western provinces and in Galle, Matara districts," the Meteorological Department said.
"Heavy falls, above 100 millimeters can be expected at some places, particularly in Central, North-western and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district," it added.
Over 200 people were killed and 78 people missing when the southwest monsoons caused severe floods and landslides across Sri Lanka last year.
