The catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah has left a trail of destruction across Sri Lanka, with the death toll now tragically standing at 123. Another 130 people are reported missing as the nation grapples with severe flooding and landslides. The Kandy and Badulla districts have borne the brunt of the disaster, with significant loss of life and widespread displacement.
In total, more than 373,000 individuals from over 100,000 families have been affected by the extreme weather. Emergency services are working tirelessly to conduct rescue and relief operations. A remarkable rescue saw approximately 40 individuals saved from a bus submerged by floodwaters, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by residents.
India’s commitment to aiding Sri Lanka is evident through ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu.’ The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has dispatched specialized teams and equipment, with the Indian Navy providing further support through naval assets carrying vital relief supplies. An emergency helpline has also been set up to assist Indian nationals in Sri Lanka.
As Cyclone Ditwah moves towards India, the IMD has issued a red alert for coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Forecasters anticipate very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in specific districts, prompting the pre-positioning of NDRF teams in vulnerable areas. Preparations are underway to mitigate the cyclone’s impact on India’s southern states.