Dozens die in Sri Lanka floods

It is feared that up to 250,000 people could be affected by floods

More than 80 people are feared dead after some of the worst monsoon flooding for 50 years struck southern Sri Lanka.

In some areas officials fear whole communities may have been wiped out.

And relief workers are concerned there may be more flooding once the waters subside in hilly inland areas and flow down to coastal regions.

The worst hit area so far comprises 300 villages in Ratnapura, many of which are still completely marooned without power or communications.

About 100,000 people evacuated from their homes because of the floods are being housed in temples and public buildings, but it is feared that up to a quarter of a million people could be affected.

Air force helicopters have begun dropping food and water to some communities because strong currents made it difficult for navy boats to reach them.

Makeshift rafts

"Many were asleep when they were hit," said Malini Premaratnethe, the chief administrator of Ratnapura.

"We have recovered 37 bodies until now, but I fear the final death toll will be higher," she said. At least 47 other people were feared dead.

Television showed many parts of Ratnapura town still under two to three metres (yards) of water 24 hours after the flash floods hit the area.

Many families were seen taking shelter in the upper floors of their homes.

Local volunteers made rafts out of car tubes and bamboo poles to rescue the elderly.

The Sri Lankan authorities have asked India for help, requesting rubber dinghies with outboard motors as well as blankets for people suffering from hypothermia.

There has also been a request for disaster management experts to help with the cleanup once the immediate crisis has abated.

Sri Lankan meteorology officials said nearly 10cms of rain (4 inches) fell on Ratnapura, on Saturday.

It is thought landslides may have blocked one of the rivers in the area, exacerbating severe flooding outside the town.