Heavy rain, floods kill at least 17 in Sri Lanka

“Water levels are receding but landslide warnings are still in place in 10 districts,” Pradeep Kodippili, assistant director of the National Disaster Management Centre, said in a statement.

More than 270,000 people have been affected and about 100,000 buildings lost power, he added.

“We expect the rainfall to reduce from now on but intermittent rains will be seen in some areas,” said meteorological department director-general Athula Karunanayake. The natural disaster comes as Sri Lanka is hoping to ease restrictions to tackle the coronavirus. A month-long lockdown to fight a third wave of infections is due to end on Jun 14.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has been badly hit by the pandemic.