The devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah continues to unfold in Sri Lanka, where 123 lives have tragically been lost. The cyclone’s ferocity has resulted in widespread flooding and dangerous landslides, causing extensive damage and forcing mass evacuctions. Rescue efforts are underway across the most affected regions.
The latest figures from the Disaster Management Centre highlight the severe crisis. Kandy District has reported 51 fatalities and 67 missing persons, while Badulla District has confirmed 35 deaths and 27 missing. Other districts like Kegalle, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Ampara have also reported casualties.
More than 373,000 people across 102,877 families are facing the consequences of the cyclone’s destructive power. A notable rescue involved saving approximately 40 individuals, including a foreign woman, from a bus stranded by rising floodwaters on the Kala Oya Bridge.
India is actively supporting Sri Lanka’s relief efforts through ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu.’ A contingent of NDRF personnel, including sniffer dogs and vital relief supplies, has been deployed. Indian naval ships have delivered aid, and the Indian High Commission has set up an emergency help desk in Colombo. Indian helicopters are also engaged in search and rescue missions.
As Cyclone Ditwah moves towards India, the IMD has issued a red alert for coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated, particularly in districts like Cuddalore and Nagapattinam, beginning Saturday. Fourteen NDRF teams are positioned in vulnerable areas of Tamil Nadu, with additional forces on standby to manage the impending weather challenges.