Death Toll Rises in Sri Lanka

Officials in Sri Lanka have announced that the death toll in the country has risen to approximately 202, after severe flash flooding over the past week.

Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Center said on Wednesday that the flooding has caused devastating landslides which have completely destroyed thousands of homes, shops, schools and other community centres.

They also said that at least 600 000 people have been displaced because of the flooding and that shelters are struggling to distribute food and fresh water to those displaced.
“In the capital, shops and supermarkets are running out of supplies as people are coming in and hoovering up items,” a reporter said.

According to other reports, areas south of the country’s capital of Colombo are still up to three metres under water.

In addition to the lack of fresh water and food, the United Nations has also warned that the risk of disease is much higher in the country due to overcrowding in the shelters.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Ravi Karunanayake, said that the country has received help from several countries and organisations.

“We also have a lot of enquiries from other countries and organisations wanting to know our immediate needs. We are moved by the spontaneous response,” he said in a statement.

The United Nations has recently pledged more money to the country, and neighbouring countries have also sent help to Sri Lanka.

The Indian navy has reportedly supplied three ships full of aid, while China and Japan have contributed money to the cause.