Post by : Saif Rahman

Sri Lanka is grappling with a serious crisis as Cyclone Ditwah has wreaked havoc across the nation, resulting in the deaths of 46 individuals and leaving 23 unaccounted for. The cyclone unleashed torrential rains, powerful winds, and severe flooding across multiple regions. Authorities cautioned that conditions may deteriorate further in the next 12 hours due to continuous rainfall.

The majority of fatalities resulted from landslides, particularly in the eastern and central provinces, where some areas received over 300 millimeters of rain in a brief period, triggering hillside collapses that buried homes. Numerous communities were caught off guard as water levels surged, prompting thousands to evacuate.

According to the Disaster Management Centre, nearly 44,000 individuals have been impacted nationwide. Many families have sought refuge in schools and public facilities after losing their residences. Rescue operations are ongoing, but relentless winds and rain complicate the efforts.

Floodwaters have inundated vast areas in southern and eastern Sri Lanka, including parts of the capital, Colombo. Authorities indicated that flooding is likely to worsen, jeopardizing additional communities. Due to the perilous conditions, the Colombo Stock Exchange halted trading, and schools along with many train services are suspended.

The military and police have launched extensive rescue missions. In one remarkable operation, 13 individuals stranded on a bridge in Polonnaruwa, approximately 220 kilometers from Colombo, were airlifted to safety by the air force. Other families trapped on rooftops have also been rescued. In a striking incident, a man needing rescue after climbing a coconut tree to escape floodwaters was airlifted by helicopter.

Heavy rain has also impacted operations at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, leading to the diversion of at least 15 flights to Indian airports such as Trivandrum and Cochin. This disruption has resulted in delays for travelers and further strained emergency services already under pressure.

India has provided 6.5 metric tons of food aid to the island as part of relief initiatives. The Indian High Commission reported that the government reacted swiftly as Cyclone Ditwah approached Sri Lanka, with impending threats to southern India also considered. Continued international assistance is anticipated as the damage assessment unfolds.

More than 20,000 police and military personnel are currently deployed across different towns to assist with evacuations. Many neighborhoods near Colombo continue to experience rising water levels. Residents have shared stories of fear and dread as floodwaters encroach upon their homes. Mohammed Rumy, a 70-year-old resident from Wellampitiya, recounted how the force of the wind amplified the precarious situation, as he helped transport furniture from neighboring houses prior to seeking safety with his family.

The cyclone has inflicted devastation while Sri Lanka is still recovering from economic hardship and previous environmental crises. With additional rainfall expected, authorities are advising residents in low-lying regions to evacuate to safer areas without delay. The coming hours are crucial as emergency crews work tirelessly to save lives, restore critical services, and avert further disaster.

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