Disastrous torrential rains and floods due to cyclone Ditwa have killed at least 123 people across Sri Lanka and at least 130 still missing, as reported by the Disaster Management Centre Saturday, with relief operations underway. Till now 43,995 people have moved to state run welfare centres as their homes were destroyed in the week long heavy rains. The cyclone made landfall on Wednesday with rainfall across the island.
“Relief operations with the help of the armed forces are underway,” Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda told reporters.
Flooding in low-lying regions intensified on Saturday, leading authorities to order evacuations for residents living near the Kelani River, which runs through Colombo before reaching the Indian Ocean.
The river overflowed on Friday evening, the DMC reported, pushing hundreds of people into temporary shelters.
Although rainfall had eased in much of the country, including the capital, some northern areas were still receiving showers due to the lingering effects of Cyclone Ditwah.
“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” Modi
Taking to the social media platform X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences over the loss of life in Sri Lanka and said India is ready to send more aid
“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” Modi posted on X.
The government has dispatched the armed forces to strengthen rescue and relief efforts nationwide, using military helicopters and boats to help evacuate people stranded by the floods.
According to DMC officials, water levels may surpass those of 2016, when flooding claimed 71 lives across the country.
This week’s death toll from severe weather is the highest since last June, when 26 people were killed during heavy rains. Another 17 people died in flooding and landslides in December.
