Nearly 44,000 affected as heavy rains batter island, death toll climbs to 56

Adverse weather conditions sweeping across the island have left 46 people dead in the past 72 hours, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

The latest figures bring the total number of weather-related fatalities since November 16 to 56.

Another 21 people have been reported missing as heavy rains, floods and landslides continue to disrupt communities nationwide.

According to the DMC, 43,991 individuals from 12,313 families have been affected by the ongoing adverse conditions.

Emergency teams have been deployed to multiple districts as authorities monitor rising water levels and unstable terrain.

The agency said four houses have been completely destroyed, while 666 homes have sustained partial damage.

Local officials have urged residents in high-risk areas to follow evacuation directives and remain alert to weather updates.