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Sri Lanka continues to reel from the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has brought torrential rains, severe flooding, and deadly landslides across the island. Authorities have confirmed that at least 123 people have died, with around 130 still reported missing. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, forcing nearly 44,000 residents to seek refuge in temporary shelters and emergency camps.
The worst-affected areas include the central highlands and eastern districts, where heavy rainfall — in some locations exceeding 300 millimeters in 24 hours — triggered mudslides and washed away roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure. Many communities remain isolated, complicating rescue and relief operations.
Emergency services, including the military, navy, and local rescue teams, are working around the clock to evacuate stranded residents and provide essential aid such as food, clean water, and medical care. Authorities have issued red alerts for several river basins and low-lying areas, warning residents to move to higher ground immediately.
The disaster has also caused widespread disruption to daily life, including transport, communication, and electricity services. Officials caution that the death toll may rise further as rescue teams reach remote regions and continue assessing the full scale of the damage.
The government urges all residents in flood-prone areas to stay vigilant and adhere strictly to evacuation orders as heavy rainfall is expected to persist over the coming days.
