Sri Lanka landslides feared as toll hits 618, widespread loss sweeps Asia

"Disaster agency warns that monsoon storms are adding more rain and making hillsides unstable. Sri Lankan authorities have issued new landslide warnings with rains lashing areas already devastated by a powerful cyclone, as the death toll rose to 618, while other parts of Asia continue to grapple with the scale of the destruction and mounting casualties that have exceeded 1,800."

"The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) warned on Sunday that monsoon storms were adding more rain and making hillsides unstable, including the central mountainous region and the northwestern midlands. list of 3 itemsend of list More than two million people nearly 10 percent of the population have been affected by last week's climate crisis-spurred floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, the worst on the island this century."

"On Sunday, helicopters and planes were being used to supply communities cut off by landslides in the centre of the country. The Sri Lanka Air Force said it had received a planeload of relief supplies from Myanmar on Sunday, the latest batch of foreign aid. The government has confirmed 618 dead 464 from the lush tea-growing central region while 209 people remain unaccounted for."

Monsoon storms and Cyclone Ditwah-triggered floods and landslides have left more than two million people affected in Sri Lanka, nearly 10% of the population. The Disaster Management Centre warned that additional monsoon rain is destabilising hillsides, including the central mountainous region and northwestern midlands. Helicopters and planes are delivering supplies to communities cut off by landslides, and international aid shipments continue. The government confirmed 618 deaths, with 464 in the central tea-growing region and 209 people unaccounted for. Floodwaters receded, reducing numbers in state-run camps from 225,000 to about 100,000. Over 75,000 homes were damaged and nearly 5,000 destroyed. Recovery and reconstruction may cost up to $7bn, and the IMF is considering a $200m support request.

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