Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst natural disasters in recent years as Cyclone Ditwah and continuous heavy rain have claimed 123 lives, with 130 people still missing, according to the country’s Disaster Management Centre.

Although the rain has reduced in many parts of the island, the northern regions are still seeing showers due to the cyclone’s leftover impact.

Thousands Displaced, Relief Operations Continue

Disaster Management Centre Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda confirmed that relief teams are working round the clock.
More than 43,000 people have been forced out of their homes and are currently staying in government-run shelters after floods and landslides destroyed entire neighbourhoods.

The cyclone has now moved away from Sri Lanka and is heading toward India, but the destruction it left behind is massive.

Kotuwegoda said, “Rescue and relief operations are ongoing with the support of the armed forces.”

Kelani River Overflows, New Evacuations Ordered

The situation worsened on Saturday when the Kelani River, which flows into the Indian Ocean through Colombo, burst its banks, forcing authorities to issue evacuation orders.
Many families rushed to temporary shelters after floodwater entered their homes.

Colombo and several nearby areas have seen some improvement in the weather, but rescuers warn that some regions may face more flooding before the situation stabilises.

India Sends Aid, PM Modi Offers Support

India took the first step in providing help by dispatching a plane full of emergency supplies on the very early morning of Saturday. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, was very sad about the death of the people and said India is prepared to send more help if it is required.

“We stand ready to provide more aid and support as the situation evolves,” he posted on X.

Worst Flooding in Years

The armed forces’ helicopters and boats have come to the rescue of the people in the country who are stuck and also for the providing of the very basic relief items. The officials are concerned that the floodwater levels may go beyond that of the 2016 calamity, which caused the death of 71 persons.

This week’s death count has already turned out to be the highest since June last year when 26 people died as a result of severe weather conditions. The worst floods of Sri Lanka in this century occurred in 2003 when the number of victims was 254.

The government has asked the people to remain cautious as the teams for rescue are still working in the affected areas.

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