COLOMBO: Deaths in floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, caused by heavy rainfall, rose to 146, with over 112 reported missing. The country's Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said around 4,23,068 people belonging to 1,09,773 families were affected in 15 districts due to the flood situation. In its latest situation report, it said that 442,299 people are affected by the rains either directly or indirectly.
DMC spokesman Pradeep Kodippili said that even though rainfall has eased, it is expected to intensify again from this week. He said water levels in rivers in Hambantota and Ratnapura districts have begun to fall, however, in other places such as the Nilvala river, levels are on the rise. “We were able to evacuate the people in the surrounding villages and towns on time,” he added, referring to Nilvala river.
Sri Lankan government has called on the international community to provide financial aid and logistical support. Seasonal rains lashed out on the island nation after it faced its worst droughts in 50 years. The first vessel with humanitarian aid from India reached Colombo last Saturday, and the second on Sunday. Indian medical teams and emergency relief arrived in Sri Lanka as the monsoon-related death toll reached 100 and authorities warned of more flooding in low-lying areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended support to the neighbouring country. He tweeted, “We stand with our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters in their hour of need.”
The flooding is the worst since May 2003, when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed after a similarly powerful Southwest monsoon. Meteorological department chief SR Jayasekara said, “The monsoon has firmly established and we could have evening showers at a lesser intensity.” Other officials warned that reservoirs were now so full, they were in danger of spilling over and flooding communities living downstream.
