COLOMBO – More than 400,000 people across Sri Lanka have been impacted by severe weather conditions caused by a depression in the Bay of Bengal that has developed into a cyclone, according to the Disaster Management Center (DMC).

As of Thursday afternoon, 401,707 individuals have been affected, with 12 fatalities and two people reported missing, DMC Director Pradeep Kodippili announced. To support rescue and relief efforts, 210 teams comprising members of the armed forces and police have been deployed, equipped with 239 boats to navigate flood-affected areas.

The heavy rains, which have inundated large parts of the country, are expected to ease by Saturday, according to Sri Lanka’s meteorological department. The adverse weather has disrupted daily life and caused significant challenges for residents in the hardest-hit regions.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with ongoing relief efforts.