Sri Lanka shut government offices and schools Friday as severe floods and landslides across the country left at least 56 dead and damaged more than 600 homes.

The country has faced heavy rains since last week, with conditions worsening Thursday. Torrential downpours flooded homes, fields, and roads, while triggering deadly landslides, particularly in the central mountainous tea-growing regions of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of Colombo. Officials reported more than 25 deaths in those areas, with 21 people missing and 14 injured. Additional fatalities occurred elsewhere across the nation.

Rivers and reservoirs overflowed, blocking roads and prompting authorities to suspend passenger train services and close major routes. Fallen rocks, mud, and trees further disrupted travel, and some railway tracks were submerged.

Rescue operations involved Sri Lanka’s air force, navy, and police, who used helicopters and boats to evacuate stranded residents. Local media footage showed three people rescued from a flooded rooftop and a car swept away near Ampara, killing all three passengers inside.

The government’s decision to close schools and offices aims to ensure public safety as the country continues to cope with widespread flooding and landslide damage.