ADVERTISEMENTSri Lanka has appealed for international help after more than 120 people were killed in its worst flooding and landslides in more than a decade.
Dozens more are missing after torrential rains. Some half a million Sri Lankans have been forced to flee their homes.
Officials said deaths were reported from the western coastal district of Kalutara, the central southern district of Ratnapura and the southern district of Matara.
Red Cross responds as monsoon #floods and #landslides wreak havoc in #SriLanka. For full story click: https://t.co/c6fbePAOt3pic.twitter.com/rsXBTUgybN
— IFRC Asia Pacific (@IFRCAsiaPacific) 28 mai 2017
Sri Lankan military and rescue teams have used boats and helicopters, but officials said access to some areas was very difficult.
With more rainfall expected in the coming days, India is among those to have responded, sending ships full of aid. The Red Cross and other aid groups are also providing vital assistance.
The Save the Children charity fears stagnant flood waters, providing a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, could exacerbate an existing Dengue Fever crisis in the country.
with Reuters