Forecasts raise fears in Indonesia, Sri Lanka

Forecasts of fresh rain yesterday raised fears of more damage in flood-hit Indonesia and Sri Lanka, after earlier deluges killed more than 1,500 people across four countries.

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In Indonesia, the meteorological agency warned that the three worst-affected provinces on Sumatra would see "moderate to heavy" rain between yesterday and today. Showers began overnight but have not yet matched the intensity of last week's flash floods and landslides.

The death toll yesterday stood at 776 revised slightly downward as new information arrives from remote and inaccessible areas. More than 560 people remain missing, with patchy communications and a lack of electricity hampering efforts to confirm their whereabouts.

At a shelter in Pandan, North Sumatra, 54-year-old Sabandi told AFP she remained traumatised by the floodwaters that swept feet of mud into her home last week.

"We feel scared," she said. "We are afraid that if it rains suddenly, the flood will come again."