200 die in floods

THE death toll from mudslides and floods in Sri Lanka has climbed past 200, with 96 others missing, the government has said.

The Disaster Management Centre said 203 people have been confirmed dead.

More than 77,000 people have been displaced and over 1,500 homes destroyed since rains began inundating the southern and western areas of the Indian Ocean island nation on Friday.

Sri Lanka’s army, navy and air force are continuing relief and rescue efforts, supported by divers and navy personnel from India.

The UN office in Sri Lanka said 16 hospitals directly affected by floods or landslides have been evacuated fully or partially.

It added that many displaced people are at risk of disease.