Sri Lanka has declared a nationwide state of emergency after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed devastating rains, floods, and landslides across the island. The death toll has risen to 132, while another 176 people remain missing. The government has appealed for urgent international assistance as rescue teams struggle to reach remote areas cut off by the disaster.
Thousands Displaced as Homes Destroyed
According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), more than 15,000 homes have been destroyed. Nearly 78,000 people have taken refuge in state-run shelters. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake activated emergency laws, granting wide powers to speed up relief and rescue operations.
DMC Director-General Sampath Kotuwegoda confirmed that military units from the army, navy, and air force have been deployed to support nationwide rescue missions.
One of the major rescue operations involved saving 69 stranded bus passengers, including a German tourist, in the Anuradhapura district. The passengers described harrowing moments as rising floodwaters forced them onto the roof of a house. One survivor, Shantha, explained how parts of the roof collapsed and three women fell into the water before being pulled to safety.
A helicopter rescue attempt was aborted when powerful rotor winds threatened to bring down the roof. Naval boats later completed the rescue.
Villages Cut Off, Supplies Blocked
Roads in the central district of Badulla remain blocked by landslides. Many villages are isolated, leaving relief teams unable to deliver food, water, and medical supplies.
Residents from the village of Maspanna reported two deaths and said survivors were sheltering in the only remaining safe buildings. Villagers said they had no clean water and no way to leave due to road closures.
About one-third of Sri Lanka is without electricity and running water. Power lines have collapsed, purification plants are submerged, and internet connectivity is disrupted in several regions.
Cyclone Ditwah has now moved away from Sri Lanka and is heading towards India. Chennai Airport has cancelled dozens of flights as authorities forecast more heavy rainfall and strong winds. Fresh landslides have also struck Kandy, with access roads submerged.
International Aid Begins to Arrive
The Sri Lankan government has appealed for international support and urged citizens abroad to send donations. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met diplomats in Colombo to request assistance.
India became the first nation to respond, sending two aircraft loaded with relief supplies. An Indian warship in Colombo also donated its onboard rations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and offered further help.
Flooding continues to worsen in low-lying regions, prompting evacuation orders near the Kelani River. While rains have eased in most areas, the northern region is still receiving showers due to the cyclone’s lingering effects.
Cyclone Ditwah is the deadliest natural disaster to hit Sri Lanka since 2017, when floods and landslides killed more than 200 people.
