Flood and landslide death toll climbs to 82

Floods and landslides caused by torrential rains with gale force winds in Sri Lanka have left 82 people dead, 111 missing, and over 242,000 displaced from homes while over 348,000 people are affected by the adverse weather.

According to the government assessments, 348,476 people belonging to 86,910 families are affected by floods and landslides, according to the situation report issued by Emergency Operation Centre of Disaster Management Center for today (May 22). 

Out of the affected, 242,927 people from 57,590 families have been evacuated to 399 safe locations.

About 476 houses are reported to be fully damaged and 3,699 houses partially damage by floods and landslides.

Minister of Disaster Management Anura Priyadarshana Yapa has assured that the government will take necessary measures to respond to the catastrophic situation by correctly identifying the extent of the damage the nature of the disaster. 

The DMC is coordinating response activities and rescue operations with the tri-forces, and the Police through District Secretariats and District Disaster Management Coordinating Units. 

Currently flood levels are receding in highly affected areas, however the immediate relief requirements still remains high.