Death toll due to adverse weather rises to 16 with five more missing

(UPDATED) The death toll due to floods and earth slips has risen to 16 with five others reported missing,  Spokesman for the disaster Management centre Pradeep Kodippili said today.

More than 7,000 houses also have been damaged.

The Sabaragamuwa, Western and Southern provinces were the worst affected areas with heavy rains reported since Saturday.

At least four of the major rivers - Kelani, Kalu, Gin and Nilwala were causing floods in several areas.

Late Monday night the water level of the Kelani river was rising affecting the Malwana, Kaduwela, Biyagama areas.

The Ratnapura town as well as parts of the Kalutara and Dodangoda areas too were under water on Monday night. 

Meanwhile, President Wickremesinghe has discussed with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on submitting a Cabinent paper later today about addressing the plight of the people affected by weather, relief measures and construction of houses damaged  with government assistance and the support of the security forces.

In the past three weeks more than 20 persons were killed. They include eight deaths reported due to falling of trees.