Sri Lanka calls for international aid as floods, landslides kill 113 people
The number of people known to have been killed in floods and landslides in Sri Lanka rose to 113, officials said on Saturday, as the country appealed for international assistance, Reuters reported.
The state-run disaster management centre said 91 people were still missing after the worst torrential rains since 2003, Reuters added.
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”.
India is sending three Navy ships with supplies and other aid, the first of which arrived in Colombo on Saturday night, according to Reuters.
Officials said deaths were reported from the western coastal district of Kalutara, the central southern district of Ratnapura and the southern district of Matara, Reuters said.
Sri Lankan military and rescue teams have used boats and helicopters, but officials said access to some areas was very difficult, added Reuters.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.
- Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance dam nears full completion at 98.66% - April 13, 2025
- Trump says tariff exceptions possible but “10% is the floor” - April 13, 2025
- Libyan PM meets Syrian President at Antalya - April 13, 2025