More than 40 dead as heavy rains trigger landslides and floods across Sri Lanka

Heavy rains have caused deadly landslides and floods across Sri Lanka, leaving more than 40 people dead and at least 21 missing.

The disaster has forced authorities to halt passenger trains and close key roads, while rescue teams used helicopters and boats to evacuate stranded residents.

Most victims were reported in the mountainous Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts, where homes and roads were inundated after reservoirs and rivers overflowed.

Officials say severe weather has disrupted transport and damaged communities since last week.