Washington: Sri Lanka has sought assistance from the US on the recent massive landslide in the country that killed 10 people with nearly 160 others feared to have been buried alive.
“The United States has received an official request for assistance from the Government of Sri Lanka. The US extends its deepest condolences to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka and the families affected by the recent landslides,” said State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki.
Admiring the efforts of the Sri Lankan government for its “rapid response” to the tragedy, Psaki said the State Department was working to try and to respond quickly.
“The Department of State is currently working with USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance to respond quickly. We commend the Government of Sri Lanka and its armed forces for their rapid response and valiant search and rescue efforts,” Psaki said.
At least 10 people have been killed and nearly 160 others are feared to have been buried alive in Sri Lanka after a deadly landslide destroyed the homes of mostly Indian-origin tea plantation workers with slim chances of any survivors being found.
The landslide struck on Thursday triggered by heavy rains and wiped out 120 workers’ homes at the Meeriabedda tea estate in the central Badulla district. (PTI)