Heavy monsoon rains caused flooding and landslides in western and southern Sri Lanka in late May, killing at least 194 people. Up to 100 people were still missing as of press time. In the Kalutara district, alone, five landslides occurred, burying villages.
More than 500,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes, including those living near the banks of the Kelani River, which passes through the capital, Colombo.