Death toll from floods, landslides hits 122

The number of people known to have been killed in floods and landslides in Sri Lanka rose to 122, officials said on Saturday, as flood water continued to recede in most parts of the country. 

The disaster management centre (DMC) said 98 people were still missing after the worst torrential rains since 2003.

Meanwhile Tri-Forces personnel continue to carryout search and rescue operations as well as relief efforts. 

The DMC said that the total number of people affected by the adverse weather conditions has risen to 493,455.

The Foreign Ministry said that in coordination with the Disaster Management Ministry, an appeal had been made to the United Nations and neighbouring countries to provide assistance “especially in the areas of search and rescue operations”.

Officials said deaths were reported from the western coastal district of Kalutara, the central southern district of Ratnapura and the southern district of Matara.

Sri Lankan military and rescue teams have used boats and helicopters, but officials said access to some areas was very difficult.

Military spokesman Roshan Senevirathne said more than 2,000 military personnel had been deployed to help the police and civilian agencies. 

The Department of Meteorology says that although the heavy rainy condition has reduced temporary,   showery conditions are likely to enhance again over south-western part of the island from May 29.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-western provinces. Heavy falls (about 100 mm) can be expected at some places, it said.