Devastation in Sri Lanka Amid Cyclone Ditwah: 46 Dead, 23 Missing

Sri Lanka is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which hit the island on Friday, resulting in at least 46 casualties and 23 individuals unaccounted for, as per emergency authorities. The Sri Lanka cyclone unleashed heavy rains, surpassing 300mm within a single day, triggering fatal landslides and extensive flooding, particularly in eastern and central regions.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that approximately 44,000 residents have been evacuated to schools and public shelters due to rapidly rising waters. Many families stranded on rooftops were rescued overnight as emergency responders fought through adverse weather conditions.

Officials announced that schools are closed and train services suspended in the affected areas. The Colombo Stock Exchange also halted trading early because of the ongoing heavy rains from Cyclone Ditwah.

Brigadier S. Dharmawickrema, who oversees Emergency Operations at the DMC, noted that while rescue teams are working tirelessly, reaching several villages remains incredibly challenging. “Landslides and debris have blocked roads. Some locations are entirely isolated, but we are committed to ensuring people’s safety,” he told Reuters.

With the Sri Lanka storm continuing to strengthen, government officials have cautioned that weather conditions may deteriorate further in the next 12 hours. The Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry indicated that flights may be redirected from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport to Trivandrum or Cochin in India if the situation worsens. Reports indicate that flights from Muscat, Dubai, New Delhi, and Bangkok have already been rerouted.

Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors, steer clear of flooded regions, and adhere to guidelines provided as Sri Lanka rescue operations progress nationwide. With the storm’s presence still looming, there are fears that the death toll may climb further should the rainfall persist.