Sri Lanka Floods, Landslides Claim Over 160 Lives, Rescue Underway Before Rain Resumes

At least 166 people are dead and more than 100 others missing due to flooding and mudslides from monsoon rains across southwestern portions of Sri Lanka during the weekend, according to the state-run Disaster Management Center.

The disaster also led to the displacement of nearly half a million people from their homes. The center also said the flooding was the worst since torrential rains in 2003 hit the island nation. The authorities estimated almost 442,000 people were affected by the disaster and more than 1,800 homes were destroyed or damaged.