Floods-landslides kills 171 persons: ‘State of Emergency’ in force

Floods in Sri Lanka has killed 171 people, as the country imposed a State of Emergency .

The disaster has claimed 132 lives, while 171 individuals remain missing.

A total of 179,000 families have been affected, with 22,212 families relocated to safe areas.

Currently, over 78,000 people are staying in relief camps across the country.

Escalating the tragic situation, an elders home in the Pannala area of Sri Lanka has affected by floods, thus killing 11 elders.

The situation has also led to widespread power outages, leaving nearly 200,000 consumers without electricity.

Telecommunication networks in many regions have collapsed, making it difficult for families and friends to contact one another.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reports that some residents in high-risk zones are still refusing to evacuate, despite continuous warnings.

Multiple major landslides have been recorded nationwide, and rescue missions in certain areas continue to face significant challenges.

International assistance has begun to arrive.

The United States has pledged US$ 2 million to support relief efforts, while India has deployed helicopters to assist with rescue operations.

Sri Lanka has also waived additional visa extension fees for foreigners who were scheduled to depart on or after November 28, but were unable to do so due to flight cancellations and travel disruptions.