Floods in Sri Lanka Kill at least 18 people

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Floods in Sri Lanka Kill at least 18 people

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Recent floods caused by heavy rains in Sri Lanka have claimed the lives of at least 18 people and forced tens of thousands of people out of their homes. Authorities have already been able to provide temporary shelter and food to victims, but they asking for any help available.

The torrential flooding caused by the north-east monsoon rains is expected to last a few days more. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan officials urged the military to start rescue operations especially in the Kalutara district, 40 km south of the capital, where people are still trapped without food.

Necessary aid is hampered by highly deteriorated roads, many of which are so affected by landslides and rising water levels, that nothing can pass through. Notwithstanding this, authorities say all measures have been taken to provide aid to the flood victims.

In addition, troops also face problems on another tangent: the Sri Lankan government is involved in a bitter war against the Tamil Tigers, a group of rebels which has laid claim to vast areas of national territory. In March alone, more than 7,000 people lost their homes during the fighting. The civil war began in 1983 and has since then, claimed the lives of nearly 80,000 people.