A Matara health official says at least 170 people are feared dead in the tidal wave that hit Sri Lanka’s eastern and southern coastal belt. This adds to the over 300 reported dead by the Trincomale District Secretary.
The Trinco District Secretary told a local radio station that over 300 dead bodies had been recovered so far.
A estimated 136 bodies have been recovered in the Eastern coastal town of Kinniyai and over 200 dead in Muthur also in the east and thought to be the worst affected by the Sunday morning tidal wave.
Deaths have also been reported from Galle and Matara but no officials number are available yet.
Meanwhile, authorities are also warning coastal residents to stay away from the area.
Though the tide has receded in some areas in the South waters of the Kelani river, which cuts through the capital Colombo is still flowing inland.
Officials say curious residents from inland have started flocking to beaches to see the damage.
The warning comes as autho