UPDATE: The death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has tragically surpassed 120 as Sri Lanka grapples with devastating flooding and an urgent demand for rescue efforts. As of early Saturday, reports indicate that at least 130 individuals are still missing, with local officials fearing the final count could rise significantly.
Severe flooding continues to inundate the island nation, leaving large areas submerged. In a harrowing scene, dozens of passengers were forced to climb to the rooftops of homes in a central region of the country, approximately 100 miles north of Colombo, after the water engulfed the bus they were traveling in overnight.
In the eastern part of Sri Lanka, nearly 100 students remain stranded in hostels without access to food or water as floodwaters encroach upon their location. Meanwhile, ten families, including vulnerable children and elderly residents, have been trapped on the second floor of a residential building, highlighting the dire conditions faced by many.
The overwhelming severity of this natural disaster has stretched Sri Lanka’s emergency services to their limits. Reports indicate that flooding has impacted half of the country’s 25 districts, forcing authorities to relocate people to shelters in at least 20 districts. The Disaster Management Center confirmed that transport and telecommunications disruptions are hampering rescue operations, adding to the urgency of the situation.
The impact of Cyclone Ditwah exacerbates the challenges facing a nation still reeling from the scars of a decades-long civil war and a recent economic downturn. As rescue operations continue, officials in the central district of Badulla have reported nearly 50 deaths, with 41 others still unaccounted for.
As the nation seeks to respond to this catastrophic event, local and international assistance is desperately needed. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the missing to come forward as they work tirelessly to locate and aid those affected.
Next Steps: Rescue efforts are ongoing, with officials calling for immediate support from the international community. Updates will be released as more information becomes available. The situation remains critical, and the need for assistance grows every hour.
Stay tuned for further developments as Sri Lanka battles against this unprecedented disaster.
