Monsoon rains caused severe flooding and mudslides in western and southern Sri Lanka leaving at least 202 people dead and over half a million affected.

The devastating floods are the worst the country has experienced in over a decade, and the death toll is expected to rise as search operations for victims continue.

It has been reported that 15 of Sri Lanka's 25 districts have been affected, but the southwest of the county has been the worst affected; particularly the Matara and Ratnapura districts. 77,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes, thousands of which have been damaged.

The Sri Lankan navy and air force have been deployed to provide emergency relief to affected areas, and charity and relief organisations are volunteering aid to help the victims. Their efforts are hindered by the high water levels and roads which are either flooded or blocked by debris from landslides. International aid is also being provided to help with the scale of the disaster.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka warned that the conditions could worsen with aid organisations remaining on high alert over the coming days.

With the flood waters remaining and forecasts suggesting more rain could follow, there are concerns that diseases such as Dengue may find root in the affected areas.