The torrential rain after months of drought has resulted in severe floods in almost 19 administrative districts in Sri Lanka, hampering the lives of thousands. The worst scenario had been the landslides in the mountain regions where still many lives are unaccounted for.

Heavy rains from Thursday 12^th May 2016 pounded the central Sri Lankan region where at least three villages have already been swallowed by mountains of mud, forcing soldiers and police to suspend rescue work.

Rescue work had resumed before fresh rains began in the area. Military spokesman Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera told reporters in the capital, Colombo, that the army was assessing the situation and would deploy more troops in the worst-hit Kegalle district if needed.

Heavy rains have lashed across the island nation for several days and officials said the extent of the tragedy was still unclear. The Sri Lankan Red Cross said at least 220 families were unaccounted for.

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