COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The capital city of Colombo, along with its surrounding suburbs, saw schools close on Monday due to severe flooding triggered by intense rainfall. The heavy downpours over the weekend have caused widespread destruction across various regions of the island nation.

According to reports from the country’s Disaster Management Centre, the flooding has left three individuals dead and impacted approximately 134,000 residents. The torrential rains have inundated numerous homes, agricultural fields, and roadways, leading to substantial damage and displacement.

The disaster management officials indicated that around 240 homes have sustained damage due to the adverse weather, while nearly 7,000 people have been forced to evacuate their residences. As a safety measure, authorities have also shut down electricity in several affected areas.

In response to the crisis, military personnel from both the navy and army have been dispatched to aid those affected, providing assistance in rescue operations as well as delivering food and essential supplies.

Local television broadcasts have shown the devastation in suburban regions of Colombo, where floodwaters have risen dangerously high, submerging homes and businesses almost to their rooftops.

Sri Lanka has been facing extreme weather challenges since May, primarily attributable to the ongoing monsoon season. In a tragic incident in June, 16 casualties were recorded due to the combined effects of flooding and mudslides.