h wind speeds reaching 65 km/h (40 mph). Heavy rainfall both before and after the cyclone made landfall led to torrential downpours exceeding 300 mm (11.8 in) between Thursday and Friday. This intense rainfall triggered floods and landslides, claiming numerous lives. Casualties The death toll across Sri Lanka has risen to 56 as of Friday. On Thursday alone, more than 25 people were reported killed in landslides in the central mountainous tea-growing areas of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, approximately 300 km (186 miles) east of Colombo, the capital. Additional fatalities have been reported in other parts of the country. According to the government’s Disaster Management Centre, 21 people are still missing and 14 others were injured in the Badulla and Nuwara Eliya regions. Nationwide, 23 people are reported missing. Damage and disruption The heavy rains have destroyed four houses and damaged more than 600 others. Trees and mudslides have blocked multiple roads and railway lines, disrupting transportation and daily life. Authorities continue rescue operations, while residents are urged to remain vigilant amid ongoing floods and landslide risks.