Sri Lanka deploys troops to contain growing prison unrest, minister says

Sri Lanka has shut down schools in its central mountainous regions as torrential rains unleashed floods and mudslides, leaving at least five people dead and three injured. The government confirmed the closures on Tuesday, citing the severity of the weather conditions that have disrupted daily life across the island nation. According to officials, the storms have caused widespread destruction, with homes, farmland, and roads submerged under water or blocked by debris. The central region has borne the brunt of the crisis, with the government’s Disaster Management Centre reporting that the area is experiencing the most severe impact from the ongoing rainfall. Pradeep Kodippili, a spokesperson for the center, stated that five individuals lost their lives when mudslides engulfed two residences in the region. Three others sustained injuries, and two people remain unaccounted for. The rains have also damaged 129 homes, prompting the evacuation of nearly 2,000 residents who were relocated to safer locations. Military and naval forces have been mobilized to assist in rescue operations, helping those stranded due to the floods reach secure ground. Footage captured by local television station Hiru TV depicted scenes of soldiers and volunteers working alongside affected communities to extract individuals from flooded dwellings, all while facing the threat of further landslides. The broadcasts also highlighted the extent of the damage, showing massive boulders, mudslides, and toppled power lines obstructing key thoroughfares in the central region, severely hampering transportation. This recent calamity arrives amid efforts to recover from the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa in November, which had claimed nearly 640 lives and impacted approximately 2 million people. The storm inflicted an estimated $4.1 billion in damages, with the Central Province suffering the greatest losses. Authorities continue to grapple with the task of reconstructing infrastructure such as roads, rail networks, and housing in the affected zones. Mudslides and floods represent recurring threats in Sri Lanka, often exacerbated by intense monsoon seasons. These natural disasters typically result in substantial loss of life and property, particularly in the central highlands where heavy rainfall triggers landslides that can bury entire neighborhoods. Low-lying areas are similarly vulnerable to flooding, compelling large numbers of residents to abandon their homes each year during peak rain periods. As the situation continues to unfold, emergency services remain on high alert, coordinating relief efforts with local authorities. The focus is currently on ensuring the safety of displaced families and restoring critical infrastructure. With the monsoon season still active, concerns linger over whether additional rainfall could exacerbate the existing challenges faced by the region.