May 31, 2017 | 12 p.m.
Severe flooding in Sri Lanka has resulted in the deaths of at least 169 people according to the country’s Ministry of Disaster Management. The heavy rain occurred over a very short period of time, which lead to the displacement of more than 100,000 people — a number that will continue to grow. Some areas remain submerged in up to 30 feet of water.
“We are working with partners already on the ground to help flood survivors,” says Chris Dudley, International Response Director for Disaster Services. “They are distributing food and water to residents affected and will continue to give hope to families in need in the coming days.”
The monsoon rains are the the worst to hit Sri Lanka since 2003, and more rain is expected this week — worsening the already dire situation.
