Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

11 killed in Sri Lanka floods, landslides; 6 missing

11 killed in Sri Lanka floods, landslides; 6 missing | iNFOnews.ca
Sri Lankan men push an auto rickshaw stranded in a flooded road after heavy rains in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, May 16, 2016. Flash floods caused by heavy rains have displaced hundreds of families in several parts of Sri Lanka as the Indian Ocean Island is experiencing extreme weather conditions over the last two days. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s government said Tuesday that the death toll from floods and landslides across the country has risen to 11, with six others reported missing as a result of heavy storms in the past three days.

The Disaster Management Center said that 114 homes have been destroyed and more than 137,000 people have been evacuated to safe locations as heavy rains continue.

Most of the deaths were attributed to landslides and electrocution. Nine people were injured.

Navy spokesman Akram Alavi said that 24 teams have been deployed across the island nation to rescue people marooned in the floods and evacuate those living in threatened areas. He said 45 more teams of sailors were on standby for quick emergency response.

The Meteorological Department has warned of more rain, rough seas and strong winds in most parts of the country.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles