Fengal Storm in Sri Lanka: 12 Dead, 300,000+ Displaced (Updated Report)
The torrential rains brought by Tropical Storm Fengal have resulted in at least 12 fatalities and displaced over 300,000 individuals in Sri Lanka. The storm is currently moving toward the southern coast of India, according to an updated report from local authorities.
Among the victims are six children who went missing when the tractor trailer transporting them was swept away by floodwaters. Rescue teams are still searching for two adults who were traveling with them.
A prior report had confirmed four deaths and indicated that more than 250,000 people had been displaced.
The Sri Lankan Disaster Management Center noted that the sudden rise in water levels has forced at least 335,000 people to flee their flooded homes in search of shelter in public buildings.
In response to the crisis, the government announced that the army has deployed over 2,700 personnel to assist those affected. The Sri Lankan Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall and strong gusts expected in the northern and northwestern provinces.
India’s meteorological agency, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), reported that Fengal is gradually moving along the coasts of Sri Lanka toward the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where it is expected to arrive by Saturday.
“There is a possibility that the storm may slightly intensify into a cyclone, with winds reaching 100 to 120 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h in the southwest Bay of Bengal,” stated a morning bulletin.
The IMD has advised local fishermen to remain in port, and the Indian Navy has entered a state of alert in preparation for potential rescue operations at sea and supply missions.
