COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s government said Tuesday that the death toll from floods and landslides across the country has risen to eight, with eight others reported missing as a result of heavy storms in the past three days.
The Disaster Management Center said that more than 134,000 people have been evacuated to safe locations as heavy rains continue.
Most of the deaths were attributed to landslides and electrocution. Nine people were injured.
Navy spokesman Akram Alavi said that 24 teams have been deployed across the island nation to rescue people marooned in the floods and evacuate those living in threatened areas. He said 45 more teams of sailors were on standby for quick emergency response.
The Meteorological Department has warned of more rain, rough seas and strong winds in most parts of the country.