The destructive force of Cyclone Ditwah has left Sri Lanka in a state of crisis, with devastating floods and landslides claiming numerous lives and causing widespread damage. Multiple districts are struggling with the aftermath, as critical infrastructure lies in ruins and thousands are displaced. Intense rescue and rehabilitation efforts are currently in progress throughout the affected regions.
The latest reports from Sri Lanka detail a grim reality: 123 people have lost their lives due to Cyclone Ditwah, and another 130 remain missing. Kandy District has recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 51 deaths and 67 people unaccounted for. Badulla District has confirmed 35 deaths and 27 missing individuals. Significant impacts have also been felt in Kegalle, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Ampara districts.
In all, the cyclone’s fury has affected over 373,000 people from nearly 103,000 families, submerging homes and triggering landslides. A remarkable rescue operation involved saving approximately 40 passengers from a bus that was caught in the floodwaters, forcing them to seek safety on a nearby rooftop.
India has mobilized significant support for Sri Lanka through ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu.’ An Indian Air Force aircraft arrived carrying 80 NDRF personnel, along with specialized search dogs and crucial relief supplies. The Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri have also delivered vital aid. The Indian mission in Sri Lanka has established an emergency help desk to assist Indian nationals affected by the cyclone.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, anticipating heavy rainfall as Cyclone Ditwah approaches. Saturday’s forecast includes light to moderate rain across many areas, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected in specific coastal districts like Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Heavy rainfall warnings persist for Sunday and Monday in other parts of Tamil Nadu.
Authorities in India are taking precautionary measures, positioning 14 NDRF teams in vulnerable coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and deploying additional teams to Puducherry and Chennai. Ongoing coordination between the NDRF, IMD, and state governments is crucial for an effective response to the cyclone’s anticipated landfall.