91 killed, 110 missing in Sri Lankan floods, mudslides

Bellana, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s government says 91 people have been killed and 110 others are missing in floods and torrents of mud unleashed by heavy rains. Authorities appealed for international help for rescue and relief operations.

The Disaster Management Center said Friday that tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the rain that started early Friday.

The foreign ministry has appealed for assistance from the United Nations and from other countries.

The government advised people living near swollen rivers and hilly slopes prone to landslides to evacuate, as heavy rains were expected to continue. Navy boats and air force helicopters were deployed to rescue marooned victims and provide emergency relief.