The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) warned the public to avoid visiting places where flooding has occurred, following reports of an increase in the number of people affected by floods.

“We urge the public not to visit places where there has been flooding and not attempt to engage in sports in the floods,” a DMC Director, Pradeep Kodippili, said at a press conference yesterday (21).

Kodippili stated that the adverse weather has contributed to 20,300 people from 6,797 families being affected by the flooding across 15 Districts as of yesterday morning. Meanwhile, two deaths have been reported due to the weather conditions so far. 

Previously, the DMC had stated that community displacement is not a major concern; however they urged the public to take necessary precautions and avoid areas such as the coast due to strong winds.

The adverse weather conditions have also led to the closure of schools in certain parts of the country.