Colombo, May 17: Heavy flooding in southern Sri Lanka today killed at least two people and forced thousands of families to leave their homes, government officials said. Defense minister Thilak Marapone said rescue personnel, divers and boats from the navy were deployed to rescue thousands of people marooned in some areas of Ratnapura district, 100 kilometers southeast of the capital, Colombo.

He said water levels rose to almost 7 meters above a river in the area. Many people fled to roof tops and higher places. Strong currents and continued rain have hindered rescue operations and the distribution of food to the people forced to leave their homes, Marapone said.

Marapone said the two people who died had been caught in a landslide. He gave no other details. About 5,000 families have been evacuated to safer areas and housed in temples, schools and public buildings.

Bureau Report