91 killed, 110 missing in Sri Lankan floods, mudslides
BELLANA, Sri Lanka — Floods and torrents of mud unleashed by heavy rains in Sri Lanka killed 91 people and left 110 others missing Friday. Authorities appealed for international help for rescue and relief operations.
The Disaster Management Center said 2,040 people were evacuated to safer locations and more than 61,000 were affected by the rain that started early Friday.
The foreign ministry appealed for assistance from the United Nations and from other countries.
The government advised people living near swollen rivers and hilly slopes prone to landslides to evacuate, as heavy rains were expected to continue. Navy boats and air force helicopters were deployed to rescue marooned victims and provide emergency relief.