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Sri Lanka Mudslide Toll Climbs to 100, Many Missing

by Associated Press

   AGALAWATTE, SRI LANKA --

   Sri Lanka's government says the death toll from Friday's floods and
   mudslides has risen to 100 with 99 others missing, as security forces
   and residents stepped up search and rescue operations.
   The Disaster Management Center says more than 2,900 people have been
   displaced.
   The military used large armored vehicles and boats to transport people
   to safe areas. Residents say there are more people trapped in interior
   villages where boats have been unable to reach.
   At an intersection close to Agalawatte, 98 kilometers (60 miles) south
   of capital Colombo, four bodies in coffins were kept in a house,
   awaiting boats to be taken to a temple where displaced people have
   taken refuge.
   Mudslides have become common during the monsoon in Sri Lanka.