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91 dead, 110 missing as mudslides and floods hit Sri Lanka

A woman walks through a downpour in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 26.
(Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP/Getty Images)
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Floods and mudslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in western and southern Sri Lanka left at least 91 dead and 110 missing, the government said Friday.

The Disaster Management Center said that more than 7,800 people were affected. The death toll increased from 25 to 91 on Friday, the Sri Lankan government said.

Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardana told reporters that the adverse weather conditions could escalate. The government advised people living close to rivers and areas prone to landslides to evacuate, he said.

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Government workers’ leaves have been canceled, he said, adding that he has asked rescue and aid organizations to stay alert for the next 72 hours.

Heavy rains have lashed several parts of the country since Thursday, inundating roads and houses. Authorities closed all schools in Sabaragamuwa province, about 55 miles east of Colombo, due to the rains and floods. Heavy flooding also was reported in the country’s south.

The country’s navy deployed more than 100 sailors and 20 boats to rescue and help the affected people. The air force also sent helicopters and planes to rescue the stranded and provide emergency relief.

Mudslides are common during the monsoon season in the Indian Ocean tropical island. Much of Sri Lanka has been heavily deforested for export crops such as tea and rubber, leaving the countryside exposed.

In May last year, more than 100 people died when they were buried in a massive landslide in central Sri Lanka.

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UPDATES:

7:40 a.m.: This article was updated with the latest death toll of 91 and 110 missing.

This article was originally published at 3:15 a.m.

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