Sri Lanka is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has triggered severe flooding and deadly landslides across numerous regions. The severe weather event has caused widespread devastation, crippling essential infrastructure and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. Search and rescue operations are actively underway throughout the affected areas.
The Disaster Management Centre has confirmed that the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah has profoundly impacted communities nationwide. Reports indicate that the death toll has tragically climbed to 123 individuals in recent days. Authorities are also grappling with the fact that 130 people remain unaccounted for, with ongoing efforts to locate them. The Kandy District has borne the brunt of the casualties, recording 51 deaths and 67 missing persons. The Badulla District has confirmed 35 fatalities and 27 missing. Other severely affected areas include Kegalle, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Ampara.
In total, an estimated 373,428 people from 102,877 families have been affected by the combined forces of floods, landslides, and extreme winds. A remarkable rescue operation saved approximately 40 individuals, including a foreign national, from a bus that was swept off the Kala Oya Bridge by surging floodwaters. Passengers had to seek refuge on a nearby rooftop as the rising water stranded their vehicle.
