The full extent of Cyclone Ditwah’s fury is becoming tragically clear in Sri Lanka, where the death toll has climbed to 123. The cyclone has unleashed catastrophic floods and deadly landslides, leaving a trail of destruction and displacing thousands. Rescue and recovery missions are currently in full swing across the affected island nation.
Official reports indicate that the Kandy District has suffered the most severe impact, with 51 confirmed deaths and an alarming 67 people still unaccounted for. The Badulla District has also reported significant losses, with 35 fatalities and 27 missing individuals. Other regions like Kegalle, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Ampara have also experienced loss of life.
Over 373,000 people across more than 100,000 families have been affected by the storm’s devastating combination of floods, landslides, and powerful winds. In a remarkable rescue, around 40 passengers, including a foreign woman, were saved after their bus was swept away by floodwaters near the Kala Oya Bridge.
India has responded swiftly with ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ deploying NDRF teams equipped with rescue dogs and essential supplies to assist Sri Lanka. Indian naval ships have delivered aid, and the Indian High Commission has set up a dedicated help desk in Colombo for its citizens. Indian Air Force helicopters are also actively participating in search and rescue operations.
As Cyclone Ditwah is projected to make landfall in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the IMD has issued a red alert for the region. Forecasters anticipate widespread heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in coastal districts starting Saturday. Fourteen NDRF teams are on standby across Tamil Nadu’s vulnerable areas, with more units en route to bolster preparedness efforts.