Hundreds dead, hundreds missing

The weather-induced disasters claimed as many as 334 lives, as reported by yesterday evening, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said. 

 It is feared that the death toll will increase further, making it the worst natural disaster after the 2004 tsunami. The DMC said 370 people are still reported missing.  Kandy and Badulla remain the worst-hit districts with 88 and 71 deaths reported, respectively. 

Well over one million people remain affected in all 25 administrative districts of the country. Many areas remain submerged, with rescue workers finding it difficult to reach such locations.

The country’s infrastructure remains affected with extensive damage. 

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is in the process of assessing the damage to transmission lines and grid stations.

 The road network has sustained extensive damage requiring multi-billion rupees to repair it.

 The country has come to a standstill. The Department of Examination has postponed the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination. 

 International assistance is also coming up for rescue work.

 Both India and Pakistan have deployed helicopters and rescue teams.

 Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters undertook a hybrid mission to rescue people stranded near the Kotmale area. A specially trained guide was winched down from the helicopter in an inaccessible area, who then guided the stranded tourists and others to a pre-decided helipad. The helicopter then contacted the guide officer at the helipad (Kotmale), and 24 persons were evacuated to Colombo. The rescued included 12 Indians, 10 foreigners and 2 Sri Lankans.

 In addition, three critical casualties were air-lifted to Colombo. 

 Meanwhile, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has announced a comprehensive humanitarian relief operation for flood-affected communities in Sri Lanka, working in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.