Colombo, Oct 02: Torrential rain in southern Sri Lanka killed at least seven people, including six men swept away while crossing a rice field, officials said today. An elderly man also died late yesterday when his house was knocked down by a landslide caused by the heavy rains, said G. Hewavithana, district secretary of Galle -- where the floods occurred. Galle is 110 km south of the capital Colombo.
"Six bodies were recovered after a group of men trying to cross a paddy field to safety were swept away by flood waters," Hewavithana said.
Over 250 families were left homeless when flood waters destroyed their properties. They are being sheltered in temporary accommodation.
"The water has begun to go down," but many roads remain blocked by landslides, Hewavithana said.
Three navy boats were dispatched to help the flood-hit areas, said navy spokesman Capt. Jayantha Perera.
Bureau Report