Monsoon rains cause deadly flooding in Sri Lanka

Widespread flooding in the south and east of Sri Lanka has forced thousands to leave their homes and killed at least 17 people, officials said on Monday.

The disaster comes as the island nation's tourism sector has already been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The flooding occurred after rivers overflowed on the weekend after days of heavy rain.

More than 270,000 people have been affected by the flooding and 100,000 buildings have suffered power cuts, according to a statement by the National Disaster Management Centre