The devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah continues to unfold in Sri Lanka, with the confirmed death toll now at 123 and an alarming 130 individuals still missing. The storm’s ferocious combination of torrential rain has triggered severe flooding and catastrophic landslides across numerous districts. Kandy and Badulla are among the most severely impacted areas, reporting dozens of fatalities and many missing.
More than 373,000 people have been affected by the cyclone, experiencing widespread disruption to their lives and property. Rescue operations are actively underway, with emergency crews working to save lives and provide assistance. A notable rescue involved pulling approximately 40 people to safety from a bus caught in powerful flood currents.
India has mobilized its resources to support Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu.’ This initiative includes the deployment of highly trained NDRF personnel, specialized rescue equipment, and vital relief supplies delivered by the Indian Navy. A dedicated emergency help desk has also been established to assist Indian nationals in Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, the IMD has issued a red alert for coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, anticipating the arrival of Cyclone Ditwah. Warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall have been issued for vulnerable districts. To bolster preparedness, numerous NDRF teams are already in place across the region, with further teams being strategically positioned to manage the potential fallout from the cyclone.