At least 71 people have died following days of torrential rains and mudslides in Sri Lanka, officials said.
Rescuers are searching for 127 others reported missing after mud and rock buried residential areas, the nation’s Disaster Management Center said. The rains and floods have hit most parts of the nation all week.
The death toll is expected to go up as rescue teams reach some of the worst-hit areas, authorities said.
Various nations, including India, Australia, Nepal and Japan are bringing in aid supplies such as blankets, water purification tablets and drinking water.
Sri Lanka’s military is airdropping food and water to affected areas as rescue operations continue, authorities said.
Some of the worst-hit areas include the suburbs of Colombo, where Kelani River passes through before ending in the Indian Ocean. In Wellampitiya suburb, police said water levels stood at over eight feet after four days of rains.
Most festivities to mark the birth, death and enlightenment of Lord Buddha have been put on low key. Free food centers for those viewing decorations on city streets have been drastically reduced to divert funds to the victims.
“We are now in control of the situation. We appreciate the prompt response of many countries,” Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said.
The government is advising those displaced not to return home in the next three days, according to Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, the minister of disaster management.
Food distribution will continue, he said.
