Sri Lanka is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has triggered severe flooding and deadly landslides across numerous districts. The cyclone has caused widespread destruction, crippling essential infrastructure and displacing thousands. Rescue and recovery operations are actively underway throughout the afflicted regions. Official reports indicate that the Disaster Management Centre has confirmed the extensive damage inflicted upon communities nationwide.
The death toll in Sri Lanka has tragically climbed to 123, with an additional 130 individuals still missing. The Kandy District has borne the brunt of the fatalities, recording 51 deaths and 67 disappearances. Badulla District follows with 35 confirmed deaths and 27 missing persons. Other heavily impacted areas include Kegalle, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Ampara, reporting significant casualties and missing persons.
In total, over 373,000 people from more than 102,000 families have been affected by the floods, landslides, and fierce winds. A dramatic rescue operation saw approximately 40 individuals, including a foreign national, saved from a bus that was swept into floodwaters. These survivors had sought refuge on the roof of a nearby house after their bus was stranded.
India has responded swiftly with ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ deploying an Indian Air Force aircraft carrying 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, including specialized search dogs, and vital relief supplies. The Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri have also delivered essential relief materials. An emergency help desk has been established at Bandaranaike International Airport to assist Indian citizens affected by the cyclone.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, anticipating the cyclone’s landfall. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for several districts, including Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and the Puducherry and Karaikal areas for Saturday. Similar intense rainfall is expected on Sunday for Tiruvallur and Ranipet districts, with isolated heavy falls predicted for Tiruvallur on Monday.
In preparation, fourteen NDRF teams are positioned across vulnerable coastal districts in Tamil Nadu, with additional teams ready in Puducherry. Further reinforcements are en route to Chennai. National disaster management authorities are in constant coordination with meteorological agencies and state administrations to ensure a comprehensive and effective response.