Cyclone Ditwah: A Dramatic Toll in Sri Lanka
Cyclone Ditwah Leaves At Least 159 Dead and Over 200 Missing
On Sunday, Sri Lanka reported a grim update with at least 159 fatalities and 203 individuals still missing following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has become one of the island’s worst natural disasters since 2017.
Colombo Still Submerged After the Cyclone’s Passage
Although Ditwah moved towards India on Saturday, the capital, Colombo, remains heavily affected and is grappling with severe flooding that has paralyzed several neighborhoods.
Persistent Rainfall Worsens the Situation
The Disaster Management Center (DMC) reported that “heavy rains continue to flood low-lying areas along the Kelani River,” increasing risks for residents who remain trapped.
State of Emergency and Military Mobilization
In light of the extensive damage, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency. The military has been deployed to bolster relief efforts and assist civilians in the hardest-hit regions.
International Aid Appeal and Hundreds of Thousands Displaced
Authorities have issued an international appeal for assistance as nearly 833,000 people have been displaced, including 122,000 housed in temporary shelters. The nation is struggling to cope with a large-scale humanitarian crisis.
Homes Destroyed and Widespread Power and Water Outages
More than 20,000 homes have been destroyed or severely damaged. Approximately one-third of the population is currently without electricity and access to safe drinking water, aggravating the living conditions for those affected.
The Worst Disaster Since 2017
With a staggering human and material toll, Cyclone Ditwah has emerged as the deadliest natural disaster in Sri Lanka since 2017, the year that saw floods and landslides claiming over 200 lives.
