On Wednesday, the death toll increased to 202 in Sri Lanka after the devastating flood and landslides. Officials have reported that nearly 96 people are still missing.
The lives of nearly 600,000 people have been affected by the floods and 63 people have been reported injured by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC.)
Since Friday, Sri Lanka has been experiencing severe rains and strong winds that have caused major floods and landslides on the island. The worst affected area was the South district of Sri Lanka.
A massive clean up operation was launched by the Triservice and rescue teams once the water levels began to recede. The operation is to restore normalcy in the affected areas. Nearly 83,200 people had to seek shelter in safer locations.
A UN statement reported that 16 hospitals in Sri Lanka were evacuated as they were struck by the floods or exposed by the landslides.
The statement also read, “With the increasing number of displaced people and lack of space in safe locations, temporary shelter and ensuring access to health services are needed. Disease surveillance and vector control is also a priority with the risk of communicable diseases.”
In Southern Sri Lankan districts like Kalutara, Ratnapura and Galle, the Ministry of Health deployed medical teams to help the injured and stranded.
President Maithripala Sirisena has said that the construction of the destroyed houses will begin soon, 5,329 partially destroyed and 640 completely destroyed houses.
India, China, United State, Britain, Pakistan, Australia, Norway and the European Union have all sent aid to Sri Lanka by donating funds and sending relief supplies.
