Sri Lanka government deploys military helicopters and officers to help search and rescue efforts, as surging floodwaters overwhelm the country.
Rescue operations continue to help people stranded in rising floodwaters Some 44,000 people were affected nationwide, with many thousands having sought shelter in schools and public shelters, according to the Disaster Management Center.
Most rivers and reservoirs have overflowed because of heavy rains, with at least 3,000 homes damaged in mudslides and floods.
The Sri Lankan government deployed police and military personnel to aid rescue and search efforts as strong rain and damaging winds crossed Sri Lanka on Friday, with the death toll having risen to 69 by the evening.
Officials say that the toll could rise even higher, as the country still expects more flooding caused by cyclone Ditwah in the next 12 hours
The cyclone made landfall on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast on Friday morning.
Most deaths so far were caused by landslides triggered by more than 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rainfall in the eastern and central regions, according to officials.
