Devastation in Sri Lanka: 123 Lives Claimed by Cyclone Ditwah Floods

Post by : Mara Rahim

Sri Lanka is currently enduring one of its most significant natural calamities in recent memory, as Cyclone Ditwah unleashed torrential rains and extensive flooding across the island. As reported by the Disaster Management Centre, the death toll has reached 123, with approximately 130 individuals unaccounted for. This catastrophic weather disturbance has wreaked havoc over the past week, damaging homes, roads, and essential infrastructures.

Sampath Kotuwegoda, the Director General, stated that relief and rescue operations are ongoing without pause. Nearly 43,995 individuals have been relocated to state-run welfare centers due to damage or total destruction of their residences. Families have been uprooted in a matter of hours as water levels surged, leaving them with little time to escape. Collaborative efforts among soldiers, police, and volunteers are underway to assist those affected. Emergency response measures, food distribution, and medical assistance are now at the forefront of the authorities' priorities.

While the cyclone has shifted away from Sri Lanka toward India, the devastation it has left in its wake is widespread. Officials noted that the adverse weather effects began earlier in the week, prior to the cyclone’s official landfall on Wednesday. Several districts reported some of the heaviest rainfall in recent history. Flooding and landslides persist in various low-lying areas, even as rainfall intensity starts to decline.

On Saturday, conditions deteriorated along the Kelani River, which flows from central Sri Lanka to the coastline near Colombo. Continuous rainfall led to overflowing waters, prompting urgent evacuation orders for surrounding communities. Hundreds were forced to evacuate their homes on Friday night to seek refuge in temporary accommodations. Although conditions have improved in Colombo and surrounding regions, light showers have been reported in the north, leaving the flood situation precarious as rains could return.

In a swift response to the crisis, India has dispatched a planeload of essential supplies under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The aid, which arrived early Saturday, included food, medical supplies, and other emergency resources. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the loss of life and assured support will continue as necessary, expected to assist thousands of Sri Lankan families facing the aftermath.

The Sri Lankan government has mobilized its military forces nationwide to rescue stranded citizens and deliver relief supplies. Helicopters are being utilized for airlifting families from inundated areas, while boats are transporting those trapped within their homes. According to DMC officials, the present natural disaster may cause water levels to surpass those observed in 2016, during which heavy flooding claimed 71 lives.

This week's disaster has marked the deadliest weather-related incident in Sri Lanka since June of last year when severe rainfall led to the deaths of 26 individuals. The country has also suffered from life-threatening floods and landslides in December, resulting in 17 fatalities. Nonetheless, the most severe flooding in recent history remains the 2003 disaster, which took 254 lives. Authorities remain concerned that continued rain could heighten this year’s toll as rescue operations search for missing individuals.

Officials urge citizens to heed all safety instructions, avoid travel in flooded areas, and seek higher ground as necessary. The government’s rescue operations will persist until all affected families receive the aid they require. The immediate focus is on mitigating further loss of life and helping people reconstruct their communities and homes.