by Melani Manel Perera

The most serious damage is reported in the Eastern Province and the Northern Province. At the moment, the Church and local NGOs distribute aid in the 71 government refugee camps. More than 5,370 homes destroyed.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - At least 503,406 people from 137,019 families have been affected by monsoon floods and landslides in Sri Lanka over the past month. According to data from the Meteorology Department and Disaster Management Centre (DMC), more than 5,370 houses were destroyed while 33,571 were dpartially amaged. So far, the death toll stands at 52 dead and eight missing.

To date the government has set up 71 camps for 7,409 people (1,970 families in total). To help the displaced, the Church, local NGOs and aid associations are distributing dry rations and cooked meals.

The worst affected area is that of the Eastern Province, with 404,930 persons (109,632 families in total) because it is most exposed to torrential rains. 10 refugee camps have been set up there. In the Northern Province, more than 83,080 persons belonging to 23,122 families have been affected by the monsoon. Many of them have found refuge in 12 evacuation centers set up by the government.

According to the DMC, in the coming days flooding could also affect the Central and Southern Provinces.

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