Over 8,000 affected by flash floods in southern Sri Lanka

COLOMBO –Over 8,000 people were affected as heavy rains caused flash floods in Sri Lanka's southern districts of Galle and Kalutara last Sunday, the Disaster Management Center said in a statement on Monday. 

Spokesperson for the center Pradeep Kodippilli told Xinhua that several people had been evacuated from their homes due to the heavy downpour, but as the rains had ceased by Monday morning, the situation was normalizing. 

He said no casualties or damages had been reported but those living in low areas were urged to to be vigilant.He said more rains were expected on Monday night, but there is no warning issued so far.Sri Lanka's meteorological department, in its latest weather report, said showers or thundershowers would occur over most provinces of the island country by Monday evening. 

Heavy falls could also be expected at some places, particularly in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and Western provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Vauniya districts, the meteorological department said. In 2017, the monsoons which hit Sri Lanka in the mid of May caused heavy flooding and landslides in several districts across the country resulting in over 200 deaths while thousands were displaced.