Sri Lanka flood deaths rise to 126

Sri Lankan rescuers are taking advantage of improving weather and receding floodwaters to reach thousands of people in need to basic supplies after floods and mudslides left at least 126 dead.

Officials say hope is fading for finding survivors among 97 people missing in two days of torrential rains and landslides that swamped western and southern regions. More than 100,000 are displaced.

The UN says that it is assisting in relief efforts in response to a government appeal.

Although the weather has cleared, more rains are forecast for Sunday and Monday.