Mar 21, Colombo: At least eight people were killed and nearly 200,000 people have been affected due to torrential rain resulting from the north-east monsoon in the country.

The deaths have been reported from Badulla, Moneragala and Gampha districts during the last few days,. Around 44,600 families consisting of 173,909 have been affected, according to the Disaster Management Center.

Some districts of the eastern, northern Sabaragamuwa, Western and Uva regions have been experiencing floods since March 12.

“The most affected districts are Badulla, Mannar, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Monaragala, Ratnapura, Gampaha, and Puttalama,” the Center said.

Major tanks in the districts of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Batticaloa are overflowing of the bunds submerging many areas by flood water. Floods have caused immense damage to affected areas, interrupting all economic and social activities. It is also reported that there are tremendous damages to infrastructure facilities in the areas.