A severe weather event bringing floods and landslides has hit Sri Lanka, with dozens dead across central districts and the toll continuing to rise as more rains descend.

In the Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts, at least 25 people were killed on Thursday, with around 21 missing and 14 injured as rescues continue.

Overall casualties from floods and landslides have climbed to 56, with more than 600 houses damaged and schools and government offices shut as authorities respond.

Rescue operations are active across the country, deploying air, naval, and police resources, including an air force helicopter that evacuated people from a flooded roof.

Navy and police boats are moving residents to safety, while debris clearance and ongoing evacuations continue in affected areas.

Emergency teams report coordinated relief efforts with boats, helicopters, and ground responders working to reach trapped and stranded residents.

Widespread impacts include overflowing reservoirs and rivers, road closures between provinces, and about 4,000 families affected by the disruptions.

Transportation and infrastructure have been badly disrupted: reservoirs overflowed, roads and rail corridors are blocked by rocks and mud, and passenger services have been halted.

The government has prioritized evacuation and transport restrictions as authorities manage the ongoing adverse weather and its consequences.

The severe weather began last week and intensified on Thursday, unleashing floods and landslides that inundated homes, fields, and roads nationwide.

Video footage shows the scale of flooding beyond the central region, including a car swept away near Ampara that left three people dead.

Fatalities from landslides have occurred in other parts of Sri Lanka as the national toll rises.