Sri Lanka is facing the grim reality of Cyclone Ditwah’s impact, as the number of confirmed deaths has risen to 123. The severe cyclonic storm unleashed catastrophic flooding and deadly landslides across numerous districts, leaving a trail of destruction, damaged infrastructure, and widespread displacement. Emergency teams are actively engaged in extensive rescue and relief operations throughout the affected areas.
According to the Disaster Management Centre, the cyclone’s devastating effects have been deeply felt nationwide. The current death toll stands at 123, with an additional 130 individuals still missing and actively being searched for. The Kandy District has reported the highest number of fatalities with 51 deaths and 67 missing. Badulla District has confirmed 35 deaths and 27 missing individuals. Other heavily impacted regions include Kegalle, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Ampara.
More than 373,000 people across 102,877 families have been directly affected by the floods, landslides, and high winds. A dramatic rescue operation successfully saved around 40 people, including a foreign woman, from a bus that was caught in flash floods. The passengers were forced to find safety on the roof of a nearby house as floodwaters rose rapidly around their vehicle. India has dispatched aid through ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’, sending NDRF teams and relief supplies to support Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts.