At least 7 killed in Sri Lanka floods causing mudslides

Floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rains leave at least seven

people dead in Sri Lanka's tea-growing mountainous regions

forcing the closure of some schools.

Heavy downpours over the last two days have flooded homes,

fields and roads in many parts of the country.

The mountainous areas in the central region are the worst hit,

according to the government's Disaster Management Center.

At least five people died after being buried in mudslides

that overran two houses in the central region

while two others died in floods.

Officials say 291 houses are damaged and nearly 3,500

people evacuated.

Navy and army personnel have been deployed to rescue those

trapped in the floods.