Over 130 people have been killed and many more injured after explosions at churches and hotels across Sri Lanka.
As many as six separate explosions have been reported so far, with three churches in Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa targeted during Easter services.
Three hotels in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo - reported by the BBC as being The Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury - were also hit.
The six blasts are believed to have happened simultaneously.
At least 67 people are reported to have died at St Sebastian's church in Negombo on Sri Lanka's western coast.
According to the BBC, hospital sources in Batticaloa, on the opposite side of the country, said at least 27 people have died there.
No group has claimed responsibility for the explosions, which are also thought to have injured over 500 people.
Sri Lankan Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has since called a national security council meeting at his home. He also condemned those responsible for the attacks.
"I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong," he said on Twitter.
"Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation."
The temperatures are set to plummet once again. Met Éireann has warned of the possibility of snow in their national forecast for the coming week. Being dubbed bad news for rising heating bills, the National Meteorological Service has forecasted temperatures to plummet as the week begins. Today, Sunday, March 22, saw a cloudy start with […]
Two children have been admitted to hospital in Waterford Two children have been rushed to hospital in Waterford following a fall from an apartment balcony this morning. It has been reported that a seven-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy were taken to University Hospital Waterford following the incident on Friday morning. Their injuries are not […]
“It wasn’t even a plan to be celibate.” Maura Higgins revealed it ‘wasn’t even a plan to be celibate’ as she explains why she decided to stop dating for a while. The Irish star, who recently appeared on The Traitors US, has had her share of high-profile romances and has never shied away from calling […]