Colombo: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a nationwide state of emergency as rescue and relief operations intensify across the island following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone triggered severe flooding and infrastructure collapse, leading to significant casualties and damage in multiple regions.
Government officials confirmed that 150 people have died so far in disaster related incidents, while 191 individuals remain missing. Emergency services warn that the numbers are expected to rise as several parts of the country have lost communication, and access to isolated communities continues to be severely restricted.
Emergency Powers Activated
With widespread displacement and disrupted public services, authorities have invoked emergency measures to streamline response efforts. Under these powers, the government is expediting:
- Deployment of armed forces, police and civil defence units
- Medical and humanitarian relief assistance
- Coordination of shelters, evacuations and essential supplies
The Sri Lankan administration said rapid mobilisation was necessary due to the scale of damage, including blocked roads, collapsed bridges and inundated residential areas.
Communication Breakdown in Worst Hit Zones
Many flood affected districts remain inaccessible, complicating the collection of accurate casualty figures. Rescue teams are working to restore connectivity and deliver urgent support to areas where families are stranded without power, food or safe drinking water.
Disaster management officials expressed concern over rising water levels in certain pockets even after the cyclone’s departure, adding pressure on local emergency networks.
Cyclone Now Moving Toward India
The Meteorology Department confirmed that Cyclone Ditwah has moved away from Sri Lanka’s landmass and is now heading toward the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts in India. The system, though shifting its path, continues to generate strong winds and heavy rainfall near coastal stretches.
Indian authorities have already begun precautionary measures, including flight cancellations, disaster response deployment and public advisories.
Ongoing Damage Assessment
Teams on the ground are still evaluating the extent of infrastructure loss across Sri Lanka. Early reports indicate significant harm to:
- Housing and public buildings
- Road networks and bridges
- Power and communication lines
- Agricultural zones critical to local livelihoods
Shelters have been set up in safer zones as thousands of residents remain displaced due to flooding and structural damage.
Government Urges Public Cooperation
Officials have appealed to citizens to follow evacuation guidelines and weather updates issued by authorities. Medical personnel have been stationed at relief camps to ensure disease prevention and treatment for injuries.
The Sri Lankan President has convened high level meetings with security agencies and disaster response departments to oversee restoration efforts and ensure timely assistance to vulnerable communities.
As relief operations continue, the focus remains on rescuing those unaccounted for and stabilising critical services across the country. The full economic and humanitarian impact is expected to become clearer in the coming days.
