The World - News from June 6, 1989

Sri Lankan rescue workers have recovered 250 bodies from the debris of the worst floods in 40 years, officials said. It was feared that the death toll could rise as the search continues through the wreckage of thousands of houses destroyed by floods and landslides that followed three days of monsoon rains. Deputy Director of Social Services M. W. Premawardene said the flooding, which also injured 700 people and left 125,000 homeless, caused widespread destruction in the central highlands and southwest districts. Floodwater is subsiding in some districts but is rising in low-lying areas.