NEW DELHI, Dec 1 (KUNA) -- Death toll in Sri Lanka following the devastating cyclone Ditwah and resultant flooding, and landslides rose to 366 while 367 others are missing.
The Daily Mirror of Sri Lanka reported quoting Disaster Management Centre that the nationwide toll from the ongoing adverse weather has rose sharply with 366 deaths and 367 people missing as of 5.00 PM Local Time on Monday.
The Disaster Management Centre stated that the numbers continue to rise as rescue teams are working round the clock across multiple districts hit by floods, landslides and severe winds since mid-November.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the government has begun talks with the World Bank to prepare an assessment of the damage and the financial requirements for reconstruction. He said that the disaster has left massive damages and a Joint Management Committee would be appointed to oversee a Fund with contributions from all sectors. The President highlighted the extent of the devastation that floods and landslides have left adding the treasury alone cannot bear the full burden of recovery.
The disaster left roads, bridges, houses, farmlands, plantations, government buildings, schools and electricity poles damaged, he added. He added that fund for reconstruction need to be mobilised on large scale including from foreign governments, international organisations and business associations apart from local contributions and the Sri Lankan expatriates.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced today that 53 tons of relief material has been handed over to Sri Lanka through war ships of Indian Navy and aircrafts of Indian Air Force. The Indian teams are also engaged in search and rescue operations as Indian helicopters airlifted stranded people, including pregnant women, infants, and those critically injured. Nationals from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, UK, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have been rescued by Indian teams, the Indian statement said.
Meanwhile, the UK has pledged USD 890,000 in urgent humanitarian support to Sri Lanka. The humanitarian aid from the UK meant to address immediate needs, including food, shelter, and medical assistance will be distributed through the Red Cross, the UN office in Sri Lanka, and local partners. (end) atk.gb