The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reports that 46 deaths have been recorded within the past 72 hours as adverse weather conditions continue to batter the island.

According to the DMC, the total number of fatalities reported from 16 November to date has risen to 56, while 21 individuals remain missing.

The severe weather sweeping across the country has so far affected 43,991 people from 12,313 families.

The DMC further states that four houses have been completely destroyed, while 666 have sustained partial damage.