Cyclone Ditwah Unleashes Devastation on Sri Lanka: Hundreds Dead, Thousands Displaced
Sri Lanka is currently grappling with the severe fallout from Cyclone Ditwah, a powerful weather system that has tragically claimed the lives of 212 people and left an additional 218 individuals missing. The cyclone brought unprecedented rainfall and widespread flooding, affecting nearly a million residents across the island nation. As emergency response efforts extend into their fourth day, authorities are intensifying their search and rescue operations, working tirelessly to reach isolated communities and deliver vital aid.
Widespread Destruction and Displacement
The calamity began on November 27, when record-breaking downpours initiated a cascade of disasters. Multiple landslides swept through Sri Lanka's central highland regions, while rampant river overflows led to the complete submersion of numerous towns nationwide. The sheer scale of the disaster has necessitated the evacuation of close to 200,000 people, who are now sheltered in 1,275 temporary facilities managed by the Disaster Management Centre.
A critical moment in the crisis unfolded when floodwaters breached the dam of the Mavil Aru Reservoir in eastern Sri Lanka. This event triggered swift action from the air force, which utilized helicopters to airlift more than 120 individuals to safety. The military further reported that approximately 2,000 others were preemptively moved to higher ground to mitigate risks.
Recovery Efforts and Regional Context
Currently, more than 17,000 people remain in shelters, anxiously awaiting the retreat of the floodwaters. The irrigation department forecasts a gradual reduction in water levels over the next three days, coinciding with Cyclone Ditwah's predicted movement towards southern India. Restoration efforts are concurrently underway to bring back vital services such as power, water, and communications, which were severely compromised after transmission lines and transformers succumbed to the floods.
The broader South Asian region has also faced significant weather-related challenges. Neighbouring Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand collectively reported a death toll exceeding 600 from similar floods and landslides. Relief operations in these countries continued throughout the weekend for tens of thousands displaced.