Dhaka, Nov. 28 -- At least 56 people have died and 21 remain missing after days of torrential rain triggered widespread flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, one of the country's worst weather disasters in recent years.

The central district of Badulla, known for its sprawling tea estates, was among the hardest hit. A landslide swept through a cluster of homes overnight, killing 21 residents, according to a statement from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

According to a report published by the BBC, footage circulating on social media showed homes collapsing into raging waters and torrents running through town centres. With major tracks submerged or damaged, the Railway Department suspended most services nationwide.

Sri Lanka is ...