Post by : Saif Rahman

Sri Lanka is enduring one of its most severe weather calamities in years, as Cyclone Ditwah swept through on Friday, triggering deadly landslides, extensive flooding, and mass evacuations. Officials report that 46 individuals have died and 23 are still unaccounted for, while rescue teams navigate challenging conditions to assist survivors.

The cyclone unleashed over 300 millimeters of rain within 24 hours, leading to landslides that particularly impacted the eastern and central regions, incurring extensive damage. Numerous houses were engulfed by mud, roads were washed away, and entire communities became inaccessible.

Nearly 44,000 residents across the nation have been moved to safer areas, utilizing schools and communal buildings as emergency shelters. Many families found themselves stranded on rooftops as floodwaters rose around them, compelling emergency responders to deploy boats and specialized equipment for rescues.

Brigadier S. Dharmawickrema, the Emergency Operations Director at the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), indicated that the situation remains dire. He noted that even as rescue operations persist tirelessly, obstructed roads and unstable terrain hinder effective responses. “Some villages are exceptionally difficult to reach because landslides have barricaded all access points,” he informed Reuters. “We are striving to ensure everyone’s safety.”

The extreme weather has also disrupted everyday life throughout the island. Schools have been shut to safeguard children, and train services have been halted due to flooding and damaged tracks. Additionally, trading at the Colombo Stock Exchange was suspended early as relentless rain continued to lash the capital.

Major disruptions were also noted in air travel. Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilake stated that Sri Lanka might redirect flights to Indian airports like Trivandrum and Cochin if conditions worsen. Reports indicate that six flights originating from cities including Muscat, Dubai, New Delhi, and Bangkok have already been rerouted from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to alternative destinations.

Meteorologists have issued warnings that Cyclone Ditwah could intensify as it traverses Sri Lanka, particularly in the next 12 hours. This raises concerns for additional rainfall, landslides, and further damage to areas already affected.

For many families, this disaster serves not only as a natural tragedy but also highlights Sri Lanka’s susceptibility to severe weather. The island has witnessed recurrent floods and landslides in recent years, often exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems, deforestation, and unstable slopes.

Emergency responders and volunteers are tirelessly working to rescue those still missing and assist thousands who have lost homes and loved ones. As the cyclone moves inland, authorities urge residents in at-risk areas to relocate to safe shelters and adhere closely to official advisories.

The repercussions of Cyclone Ditwah will likely be felt for weeks to come, necessitating substantial support for communities to rebuild infrastructure, restore roadways, and recover from widespread destruction. Presently, Sri Lanka remains on high alert as the storm further progresses across the island.

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