Keystone-SDA
The torrential rains accompanying tropical storm Fengal have left at least 12 dead and more than 300,000 displaced in Sri Lanka, according to a new report from the authorities. It was progressing towards the coasts of southern India on Thursday.
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November 28, 2024 – 11:25 am
(Keystone-ATS) Among the victims were six children who went missing when the tractor trailer transporting them was swept away by floods. Two adults who were with them were still being sought by emergency services.
According to the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Center, the sudden rise in waters forced at least 335,000 people to leave their flooded homes to find shelter in public buildings. The army deployed more than 2,700 men to help the victims, according to the government.
“Very heavy showers and gusty winds are expected in the northern and north-western provinces,” the Sri Lankan Meteorology Department said on Thursday. Its Indian equivalent (IMD) indicated that Fengal was slowly continuing its route along the coast of Sri Lanka towards the Indian state of Tamil Nadu (southwest), which it should reach on Saturday.
Frequent flooding
“It is possible that the storm will strengthen slightly to become a cyclone with winds of 100 to 120 km/h which can blow up to 140 km/h in the southwest of the Bay of Bengal,” according to the bulletin published Thursday morning . The IMD advised fishermen in the region to stay in port and the Indian Navy was put on alert for possible sea rescue and resupply operations.
Cyclones, the equivalent of Atlantic hurricanes and Pacific typhoons, are a common threat in the Indian Ocean. Deadly floods and landslides caused by rain are common in South Asia, especially during the monsoon. Experts say climate change is increasing its frequency and severity.
Swiss
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