Heavy rains put Sri Lanka Navy disaster teams on standby

File picture of residents wading through a flooded street during heavy rainfall in Puttalam, Sri Lanka, on November 27, 2025. The Sri Lankan Navy has placed 171 disaster relief teams on standby and deployed another 14 teams across the Southern and Western provinces as heavy rains increase flood risks in several parts of the country, reported Xinhua. — AFP pic

First Published: Monday, 21 Sep 2026 6:32 PM MYT

COLOMBO, Sept 21 — The Sri Lankan Navy has placed 171 disaster relief teams on standby and deployed another 14 teams across the Southern and Western provinces as heavy rains increase flood risks in several parts of the country, reported Xinhua.

The navy said on Monday that the precautionary measures followed the formation of a low-pressure area over the Andaman Sea, northeast of Sri Lanka in the Bay of Bengal.

It said the teams were ready to assist affected communities and respond rapidly to flood-related emergencies.

Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology advised on the same day that heavy rainfall may occur in several parts of the country due to the prevailing active Southwest Monsoon conditions. It has also issued a red warning for strong winds and rough seas for multi-day fishing boats. — Bernama-Xinhua