At Least 207 People Dead in Sri Lanka After Targeted Easter Sunday Bombings

Death tolls continue to rise in Sri Lanka, after a series of coordinated explosions hit eight targeted areas, including churches and hotels on Easter Sunday, killing at least 207 people and injuring 450.

At approximately 8:45 am, simultaneous blasts struck churches in cities of Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa as victims gathered for services. Explosions also hit four major hotels in Colombo, which is Sri Lanka’s capital.

According to the Washington Post, authorities in Sri Lanka have established a 12-hour nationwide curfew, “effective immediately” and have banned both Facebook and WhatsApp, to “stop the spread of false and inflammatory messages.”

The Washington Post added that three people are in police custody and four are being questioned in connection to the bombings, but “there has been no claim of responsibility.”

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered a short statement in regard to the attack on Sunday, asking citizens of Sri Lanka to remain “calm, united and strong.”

“Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation. We have provided all support to security forces to deal with this situation. I call on the people to protect the peace,” Wickremesinghe said.

Many have sent condolences during this tragedy, which is reported to be Colombo’s most violent incident since 1996.

Trump tweeted, “The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!”

Forever President Obama tweeted, “The attacks on tourists and Easter worshippers in Sri Lanka are an attack on humanity. On a day devoted to love, redemption, and renewal, we pray for the victims and stand with the people of Sri Lanka.”