Cyclone Ditwah Claims Over 80 Lives in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka faces one of its worst natural disasters as Cyclone Ditwah triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides, killing more than 80 people and displacing thousands. The storm has caused unprecedented damage to infrastructure, isolating communities and hampering rescue efforts across multiple provinces.
Key Takeaways
- Over 80 confirmed dead, 34 missing as rescue operations intensify
- 148,603 people affected across 44,192 families
- 14,000 people sheltering in 195 emergency centers
- Three major bridges washed away, cutting off vital transport routes
- India launches ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ with naval relief mission
Unprecedented Disaster Situation
Authorities have warned of an “unprecedented disaster situation” in the Western Province due to rising water levels in the Kelani and Attanagalu rivers. Both Colombo and Gampaha districts face severe threats, with officials urging evacuations in vulnerable areas.
Disaster Management Centre confirmed the death toll has crossed 80 while 34 people remain missing over the past three days. The scale of displacement is massive, with approximately 14,000 people taking shelter in emergency centers.
Critical Infrastructure Damage
Three crucial bridges – Moragahakanda Main Bridge, Elahera Bridge, and Kumara Ella Bridge – were completely washed away, severing transport links to Matale, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, and Uva provinces. These routes are vital for trade, agriculture, and relief operations.
Director General Ajith Gunasekara warned: “We expect the Kelani River’s water levels to exceed those recorded during the 2016 floods.” He advised residents to secure essential documents and valuables before relocating to safer areas.
Record Rainfall and Landslide Threats
Matale district recorded 540 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, creating conditions ripe for landslides. The National Building Research Organisation described the situation as “extraordinary and unprecedented,” warning that landslides could occur “at any moment in any mountainous region.”
A landslide expert revealed: “The total rainfall during the past 10 days is close to 1,000 mm. This situation is unlike anything we have ever experienced.”
Power Outages and Essential Services
Widespread power outages affected 25-30% of the region after two major hydropower plants, Kotmale and Rantambe, shut down due to cable failures. President Dissanayake declared essential services including electricity, fuel, hospitals, water supply, and public transport under the Essential Public Services Act.
Rail services were severely disrupted, with all long-distance trains cancelled and only limited services operating within the Western Province by Friday evening.
International Assistance
India responded swiftly with ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ deploying aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and ship INS Udaigiri to deliver relief materials. The Indian High Commission provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh rations, including staple foods, ready-to-eat items, and nutritional essentials.
The Sri Lankan government briefed foreign diplomats on relief operations and designated special officers to handle inquiries about foreign tourists affected by the disaster.
