A Sri Lankan man wades through a flooded road carrying his bicycle in Kochchikade, north of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Nov. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

       COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) -- At least 16 people have died in floods and mudslides in Sri Lanka following more than a week of heavy rain, officials said Wednesday.

       The disaster management center said more than 5,000 people have been displaced from their homes and have taken shelter in relatives' homes or government-run relief centers.

       Most deaths have occurred due to drowning and lightening strikes. At least one person is reported missing.

       Months of October and November are usually the northeastern monsoon season in Sri Lanka. However, higher than usual rainfalls have been reported in most parts of the country this year.

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