Sri Lanka floods death toll rises to 169 as cyclone heads for Bangladesh

The death toll from floods and landslides in Sri Lanka has risen to 169, with close to half a million people displaced.

Bangladesh is now braced for Cyclone Mora to make landfall early Tuesday morning as the storm continues its destructive path across the Bay of Bengal.

The country's ports were warned to expect sea surges of up to two metres, with neighbouring India's north eastern states also on alert for heavy rains.

On Monday, Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre reported a higher death toll with 102 people still missing from the torrential rains in the country, which began on Thursday.

More than 75,000 people are sheltering in relief camps, officials added.

Image:Locals in Kalutara district try to escape floodwaters in a makeshift boat

The torrential rains - the worst to hit Sri Lanka since 2003 - have swamped western and southern regions, with some of the most affected areas in Kalutara, Ratnapura and Matara.

Army boats raced up and down waterlogged village streets as they rushed to evacuate people and bring relief supplies.

A dozen military aircraft have also been sent out to rescue marooned villagers.