At least 26 people have been killed and over 2.3 lakh others affected in recent days due to extreme weather conditions in Sri Lanka, authorities said on Friday.

The 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.

So far 26 people have died and over 2.3 lakh others affected due to the continuous rains. At least six people were struck by lightning, the Disaster Management Centre said.

According to the Centre, with rains slowing and floodwaters receding, the affected areas are slowly returning to normal.

The reservoir sluice gates that had been opened are being gradually shut again.

However, the weather bureau said rains will occur in several provinces in the island nations.

The weather bureau said a low-pressure area in the southeast Bay of Bengal that was indirectly responsible for the heavy rainfalls in the country is now moving towards southern India.