Sri Lanka Floods, Landslides : Death Toll Rises to 100
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Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Colombo - Floods and landslides in the south and west regions of Sri Lanka have killed at least 100 people and damaged more than 800 homes, officials said on Saturday, May 27.
Ninety-nine people were also reported missing and 40 others have been hospitalized after unusually heavy rain on Friday triggered a string of mudslides and caused rivers to burst their banks, according to the country's Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Indian medical teams and emergency relief arrived in the capital, Colombo, on Saturday to help Sri Lanka deal with the worst flooding in 14 years.
"Many thousands are displaced and are trying to come to terms with what has happened with this huge deluge of water," Al Jazeera's Minelle Fernandez, reporting from the southern town of Agalawatte, said.
"Some places received a year's supply of rain in 24 hours. It has taken everyone by surprise."
In Agalawatte, some 100km south of Colombo, rescuers pulled at least 11 bodies out from the mud and earth, while one person was found alive.
Authorities issued fresh evacuation orders for those living downstream of two major rivers, citing a risk of flooding even though the rains had subsided.
Soldiers have fanned out in boats and helicopters to help with rescue operations. Residents said there are more people trapped in interior villages where boats have been unable to reach.
ANTARA | ALJAZEERA