Colombo (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Hopes are fading for the victims of a landslide that may have buried hundreds of people in central Sri Lanka. Since the disaster two days ago, bad weather has been hampering rescue and recovery efforts.
According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), about 100 people were at home or in stores at the time of the landslide.
Initially, the authorities estimated that more than 300 were missing, but later learnt that many were out, at school or work in other areas. However, locals are convinced that at least 250 people are still trapped in their homes.
This morning, President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the disaster site and spoke to residents who are taking shelter in schools and temples.
Other villages in the surrounding areas were evacuated for fear of new landslides.