Death toll from Sri Lanka rains climbs to 177

By Bayram Altug

GENEVA (AA) – The number of deaths caused by torrential rains in Sri Lanka has reached 177 on Tuesday, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Speaking at a news conference held in Geneva, IOM spokesman Joel Millman said floods and landslides in the southern and central districts, which were hit by monsoons and a tropical cyclone, have left 177 people dead and 109 missing since Thursday.

Some 786 houses have been totally destroyed while 5,869 others were partially damaged, he added.

In addition, 80,409 people have been temporarily displaced to shelters in safe zones, according to the IOM spokesman.

China, the U.S. and Pakistan have provided humanitarian aid while India has sent three vessels loaded with disaster relief material.

In 2016, Sri Lanka suffered severe floodings and landslides that claimed more than 100 lives.