Sri Lanka is reeling from the catastrophic aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has triggered severe flooding and deadly landslides across numerous districts. The powerful storm has caused widespread destruction, crippling essential infrastructure and forcing the displacement of thousands of residents. Rescue and recovery operations are currently underway in the most affected regions of the island nation.
The Disaster Management Centre has confirmed the profound impact of Cyclone Ditwah on communities nationwide, reporting a grim toll of 123 fatalities. An additional 130 individuals remain unaccounted for, raising fears of a higher casualty count. The Kandy District has tragically recorded the highest number of deaths at 51, with 67 people still missing. Badulla District follows with 35 confirmed deaths and 27 missing persons. Other severely impacted areas include Kegalle (9 deaths), Matale (8 deaths), Nuwara Eliya (6 deaths), and Ampara (5 deaths).
In total, over 373,428 people from 102,877 families have been affected by the deluge, landslides, and high winds. A dramatic rescue operation saw approximately 40 individuals, including a foreign national, saved from a bus that was swept away by floodwaters on the Kala Oya Bridge. The passengers had sought refuge on a nearby rooftop after the bus was immobilized by rising water levels.
India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to provide crucial assistance to Sri Lanka. An Indian Air Force aircraft has already delivered 80 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), complete with four sniffer dogs and essential disaster relief supplies. The Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri have also delivered vital relief materials. An emergency help desk has been established at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo to assist any Indian nationals affected by the cyclone.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Cyclone Ditwah approaches the coast. Light to moderate rain is expected across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall anticipated in specific districts like Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu, along with Puducherry and Karaikal areas. Authorities have stationed 14 NDRF teams across vulnerable coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with more teams en route to Chennai to bolster preparedness.