DMC Says 116 Are Still Missing In Aranayake: Death Toll May Increase In Coming Days

The Disaster Management Centre said 116 people are still missing, in the areas affected by landslides. 

According to official statistics of the government, the death toll currently stands at 84. However, the DMC sources said, the death toll could increase in the coming days. Over 300000, across the country, have become displaced due to floods and landslides, which plunged the country into a crisis last week.

Rescuers, on Tuesday, pulled out 15 more bodies from the muddy debris in the Samasara Kanda area, in Aranayake. The officials were in the process of verifying the identity of recovered bodies on Sunday afternoon. 

A senior official from the Disaster Management Ministry said rescue teams are yet to reach the worst-hit areas in Aranayake. 

 "They are struggling due to heavy rains and large swathes of mud that have engulfed the area," the official added. 

However, several residents in the area told Asian Mirror, on Sunday afternoon, that the rains had subsided and the weather conditions were "improving".