Cyclone Ditwah Ravages Sri Lanka: Over 80 Dead in Catastrophic Flooding and Landslides

Sri Lanka faces a catastrophic natural disaster. Cyclonic storm Ditwah has unleashed devastating floods and landslides. The confirmed death toll has surpassed 80 people. Tens of thousands have been displaced from their homes. The nation is now in a desperate race against time.

Authorities warn of an “unprecedented disaster situation.” They fear water levels in major rivers will exceed historic floods from 2016. India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to provide critical aid.

Unprecedented Disaster Unfolds Across the Island

The Disaster Management Centre confirmed the tragic figures. More than 80 people have died in the past three days. Another 34 individuals remain missing as rescue operations intensify.

According to the DMC, nearly 150,000 people from over 44,000 families are affected. Approximately 14,000 people have sought safety in 195 emergency relief centres. The numbers are expected to rise as communications are restored.

The central Matale district was hardest hit by rainfall. It received a staggering 540 mm of rain in just 24 hours. This immense volume of water triggered massive landslides in the central hill regions.

Critical Infrastructure Fails as Rivers Swell

Vital transport links have been completely severed. Three major bridges were washed away by the powerful floodwaters. The Moragahakanda Main Bridge, Elahera Bridge, and Kumara Ella Bridge are gone.

This isolation cuts off communities in multiple provinces. These routes are crucial for trade, agriculture, and now, relief convoys. The situation severely complicates rescue and aid delivery efforts.

The Kelani River is approaching historically high flood levels. The Irrigation Department issued a severe warning for Colombo and surrounding areas. This threat is expected to persist for the next two days.

A Nation Grapples with Widespread Collapse

The cyclone has crippled Sri Lanka’s power supply. Widespread outages affect 25 to 30 per cent of the region. Two major hydropower plants were forced to shut down due to a cable failure.

The National Building Research Organisation described the situation as extraordinary. They warned that landslides could occur at any moment in mountainous regions. Total rainfall in some areas has approached 1,000 mm in ten days.

In response, the government has invoked the Essential Public Services Act. This declaration ensures the continued operation of electricity, fuel, hospitals, and public transport. All long-distance train services have been cancelled indefinitely.

The path to recovery will be long and difficult for Sri Lanka. The immediate focus remains on saving lives and providing essential supplies to those affected by this devastating cyclone.

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What areas in Sri Lanka are most affected by Cyclone Ditwah?

The Western Province, including Colombo and Gampaha, faces severe flood threats. The central Matale district recorded the highest rainfall and significant landslides. Communities in Kurunegala and Polonnaruwa are also critically affected.

What international aid has arrived in Sri Lanka?

India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to assist. The Indian Navy has delivered over 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh food. Additional survival supplies have also been handed over to authorities.

How many people have been displaced by the flooding?

Official reports indicate nearly 150,000 individuals are affected. About 14,000 people are currently housed in 195 emergency relief centres. Thousands more have been left homeless due to destroyed houses.

What is the current status of Cyclone Ditwah?

As of late Friday, the cyclonic storm was centred about 40 kilometres west-northwest of Trincomalee. It is moving in a north-northwesterly direction. The system continues to dump massive rainfall across the region.

Why is the landslide risk so exceptionally high?

The NBRO warns that landslides can occur after 150 mm of rain in 24 hours. Several areas have received over 500 mm in the past day. The soil is completely saturated, making any slope unstable.

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