A depression in the southwestern part of the Bay of Bengal has triggered heavy rains, with cyclone conditions forming off Sri Lanka's northeastern coast. The storm is currently making its way toward India.

At least 12 people have lost their lives due to flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka, according to authorities on Thursday.

Rescue teams reported recovering the bodies of four children who were swept away by floodwaters while riding on a tractor in Eravur, located on the east coast of the country. Several other people remain missing after heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides caused widespread destruction in the eastern and central regions of Sri Lanka.

The slow-moving yet powerful storm, which is currently making its way towards India, has prompted over 250,000 people in Sri Lanka to evacuate their homes, as confirmed by the country's Disaster Management Center.

The India Meteorological Department has warned of the "possibility" that the "deep depression" over the southwest Bay of Bengal could intensify into a cyclonic storm. Meteorologists in India have forecasted that the storm will reach the southern state of Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Puducherry by Saturday, bringing with it winds that could gust up to 70 km/h (43 mph).

In response to the crisis, the Sri Lankan government has requested the army’s assistance in relief efforts. Officials have also reported that search teams continue to look for two missing children and two men, who were swept away by the flash floods while traveling on a tractor and trailer.

While deadly floods and landslides are common in South Asia, experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events to climate change.