NEW DELHI, November 29. /TASS/. Torrential rains and subsequent floods have impacted nearly 402,000 people across 24 districts in Sri Lanka and the death toll from the severe weather has risen to 17, the Disaster Management Center of the island nation reported.

The Center reported that a total of 401,707 people have been affected. The worst-affected districts are Mannar and Jaffna, where more than 2,000 houses have been completely or partially destroyed as a result of the natural disaster.

Torrential rains and subsequent flooding have damaged rice crops across an area of 64,000 hectares.

Approximately 20,000 residents have been evacuated from areas severely affected by flooding. Adverse weather conditions are obstructing the delivery of aid to the affected population and hindering efforts to mitigate the disaster's aftermath.

According to the Meteorology Department, heavy rains are expected to persist across most parts of Sri Lanka on Friday. The Northern Province and Trincomalee District are expected to receive over 150 mm of rainfall, along with strong winds that may reach speeds of up to 70 km/h.