Torrential rains and catastrophic floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have claimed the lives of 123 people across Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed on Saturday. The week-long severe weather, which saw the cyclone make landfall on Wednesday, has also left 130 people still missing as search and rescue operations continue.
Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda stated that extensive relief operations are underway, with the support of the armed forces, to aid the affected population. So far, 43,995 people whose homes were destroyed have been moved to state-run welfare centres.
The massive destruction caused by the weather system has left officials fearing the flood levels may be worse than the devastating floods of 2016, which killed 71 people. The flooding situation worsened significantly on Saturday, particularly in low-lying areas. Authorities have been forced to issue urgent evacuation orders for residents living along the banks of the Kelani River, which burst its banks on Friday evening, forcing hundreds to flee to temporary shelters.
While the cyclone is now moving away from the island towards neighbouring India, the northern parts of the country are still experiencing residual showers.
India Rushes Aid under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’
India has quickly responded to the humanitarian crisis, with a planeload of supplies rushed to Sri Lanka early on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences over the loss of life, stating on X that New Delhi “stands ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves.”
India’s immediate response has been launched under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ with the first tranche of relief materials being transported by the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, and frontline ship, INS Udaigiri, which arrived in Colombo on Friday. This deployment underscores India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First policy” and its maritime vision.
The government has deployed the armed forces to bolster rescue and relief efforts nationwide, utilizing military helicopters and boats to evacuate marooned residents.