Sri Lanka is reeling from the catastrophic aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has triggered severe flooding and deadly landslides across numerous districts. The extreme weather event has caused widespread devastation, crippling essential infrastructure and forcing the displacement of thousands of individuals. Extensive rescue and recovery operations are underway throughout the affected regions.
The Disaster Management Centre has confirmed the profound impact on communities nationwide. Reports indicate that 123 lives have been lost in Sri Lanka due to the cyclone, with an additional 130 people still missing. The Kandy District has suffered the highest number of fatalities, recording 51 deaths and 67 unaccounted for. Badulla District has confirmed 35 deaths and 27 missing individuals. Other severely impacted areas include Kegalle, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Ampara.
In total, a staggering 373,428 people, comprising 102,877 families, have been affected by the relentless floods, landslides, and powerful winds. In a remarkable rescue operation, approximately 40 individuals, including a foreign national, were saved from a bus that was swept away by floodwaters near the Kala Oya Bridge. Passengers had to seek refuge on the roof of a nearby house as flood levels rose rapidly.
India has responded with significant aid through ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu.’ An Indian Air Force aircraft delivered 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, including specialized search and rescue dogs, along with crucial relief supplies and equipment. The Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri have also delivered essential relief materials. The High Commission of India in Colombo has established an emergency help desk at the Bandaranaike International Airport to assist any Indian citizens affected by the cyclone.
