200 killed in Lanka floods

The death toll in Sri Lanka’s floods rose to at least 200 on Monday with as many missing after torrential rains devastated the south. A...

The death toll in Sri Lanka’s floods rose to at least 200 on Monday with as many missing after torrential rains devastated the south. Authorities said more flooding and landslides could be on the way.

With about 100,000 people left homeless after the worst downpour in 60 years, the government geared itself for a massive relief effort and sought help from foreign governments.

‘‘We have to be prepared for more landslides and floods. The situation is serious,’’ Jayalath Jayawardene, the minister for rehabilitation, resettlement and refugees, said. ‘‘The government is going to seek assistance from India and international agencies for provisions and may be air assistance.”

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The Meteorology Department said more rain was possible in the next few weeks, although the worst affected region — Ratnapura, about 100 km southeast of Colombo — had seen some respite from the rain since Saturday.

Malini Premaratne, the Ratnapura district secretary, said relief workers had been able to reach people who were stranded — some on rooftops and trees — and provide food and water. Eighty one people died in Ratnapura. ‘‘Many relief agencies have come in to help. We have already distributed about 50,000 packets of food,’’ she said. (Reuters)