The number of deaths following floods and landslides increased to 42 while nine persons are still reported missing. Twenty two persons injured are hospitalised, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said yesterday.

A DMC spokesman said 262,091 persons belonging to 70,864 families have been affected by floods, strong winds and landslides. Around 130 evacuation centres have been set up in Kurunegala, Puttalam, Mullaitivu, Hambantota, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara- Eliya, Batticaloa, Ampara and Trincomalee.

The centres provide shelter to 25,418 persons belonging to 7,507 families.

Over 3,100 houses were fully damaged and 7,886 houses partially damaged. Landslides, flash floods and strong winds caused by heavy rains were experienced in Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Puttalam, Matale, Mannar, Batticaloa and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the spokesman said.

Over 10,500 affected families in Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts are living with their relatives. Kalawewa, Rajanganaya, Nachchaduwa and Mahakanadarawa tanks in the Anuradhapura district are overflowing, an Irrigation Department spokesman said.

The spokesman said another 54 minor tanks are still overflowing.

Rescue missions in affected areas are continuing with the assistance of the Tri-Forces and the Police. District and Divisional Secretariat offices are providing relief to affected persons.

Source: Daily News (Sri Lanka)