Neighbourhoods buried under mud': Sri Lanka floods death toll rises to 159

"President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declares a state of emergency to deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. At least 159 people have been confirmed dead across Sri Lanka as authorities continue to battle rising floodwaters in parts of the capital after a powerful cyclone left a trail of destruction. More heavy rains brought on by Cyclone Ditwah are expected across the island nation in the coming days, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said on Sunday, adding that more than 200 people remain missing."

"Sri Lanka's Daily Mirror publication reported on Sunday that among those missing were five Navy personnel who were last seen trying to cut off overflowing water at a Naval sub-station in Chalai Lagoon, northeast of the country. The extreme weather system has destroyed nearly 15,000 homes across the country, sending almost 44,000 people to state-run temporary shelters, according to the DMC."

"Al Jazeera's Minelle Fernandez, reporting from Sammanthurai in east central Sri Lanka, said the country is struggling to cope with the aftermath of the cyclone. Some neighbourhoods are completely buried under mud, and each one brings more despair, she said. Communication has also broken down, and there are some areas that have yet to send updates. In other areas, newly planted rice was submerged in water due to relentless rain, Fernandez added."

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency to manage the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and appealed for international aid. At least 159 people have been confirmed dead and more than 200 remain missing. The cyclone destroyed nearly 15,000 homes and forced almost 44,000 people into state-run temporary shelters. Heavy rains continue, causing rising floodwaters, especially along the Kelani River, and flooding parts of Colombo. Communication has broken down in some areas and neighbourhoods are buried under mud. Newly planted rice fields were submerged. India sent relief supplies as the first international response.

Read at www.aljazeera.com