(Image source from: AP)
Heavy rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah have resulted in 123 deaths in Sri Lanka up to now, with an additional 130 individuals unaccounted for, reported the Disaster Management Centre on Saturday. Sampath Kotuwegoda, the Director General, mentioned that relief efforts are ongoing, with 43,995 individuals relocated to government welfare centers after their homes were damaged by a week of intense rainfall. The weather pattern is moving away from the island towards India, but it has already caused significant destruction, according to the DMC. "We are conducting relief operations with support from the military," Kotuwegoda shared with the media in Colombo. The impact of the weather system has been noticed since Monday, although the cyclone hit land on Wednesday, causing record-breaking rainfall throughout the island. The flooding situation in lower areas became worse on Saturday, leading officials to issue evacuation notices for residents living near the Kelani River, which leads to the Indian Ocean from Colombo. The Kelani River overflowed on Friday evening, forcing many to seek temporary shelter, the DMC reported.
Rainfall had decreased in most regions of the country, including the capital, but some northern areas were still experiencing showers due to the lingering effects of Cyclone Ditwah. Authorities mentioned that India quickly sent a plane filled with supplies on Saturday morning for those affected. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of life in Sri Lanka and indicated that New Delhi is prepared to provide further assistance. "We are ready to offer more supplies and help as the situation develops," Modi stated on X.
The government has mobilized the military to enhance rescue and relief efforts throughout the country, utilizing helicopters and boats to evacuate stranded residents. DMC representatives predicted that flood levels might exceed those of 2016, when 71 lives were lost nationwide.
The death toll from this week's weather-related events is the highest since June of the previous year, when heavy rains resulted in 26 fatalities. In December, floods and landslides claimed the lives of 17 individuals. The most severe flooding in Sri Lanka since 2000 occurred in June 2003, resulting in 254 deaths.
