Cyclone Ditwah Devastates Sri Lanka: 123 Fatalities, 44,000 Displaced

Post by : Raina Nasser

Colombo: Cyclone Ditwah has unleashed torrential rains and severe flooding across Sri Lanka, resulting in 123 confirmed deaths and around 130 individuals reported missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The cyclone, which made landfall earlier in the week, has led to extensive destruction throughout the island, with nearly 44,000 residents relocated to state-run welfare centres due to the catastrophic impacts of the week-long rainfall.

Sampath Kotuwegoda, the Director General, has confirmed that comprehensive relief operations are underway, aided by the armed forces. “Our teams are actively assisting affected communities, relocating residents to safe shelters,” he stated, noting that helicopters and boats are being utilized to rescue individuals stranded by the floodwaters.

While rain has subsided in many areas, the northern regions are still experiencing rainfall attributed to the aftermath of the cyclone. Low-lying zones, particularly along the Kelani River near Colombo, remain critically affected, with the river overflowing on Friday evening, compelling hundreds to abandon their homes for temporary refuge.

In response to this humanitarian crisis, India has dispatched a planeload of essential supplies to bolster relief efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt condolences for the lives lost in Sri Lanka and assured that New Delhi is prepared to offer further assistance as the situation develops.

Officials have cautioned that the current flood levels may exceed those experienced in previous years, including the devastating floods of 2016 that resulted in 71 fatalities nationwide. Sri Lanka has faced some of its deadliest flooding incidents in recent history, with the 2003 floods claiming 254 lives.

As the situation evolves, managing the ongoing disaster continues to be a paramount concern, with the military and DMC teams diligently working to provide relief and evacuate at-risk populations.

Cyclone Ditwah's impact underscores the susceptibility of the island nation to extreme weather conditions, highlighting the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and responsive measures.