Sri Lanka is bracing for further flooding as Cyclone Ditwah continues to unleash torrential rains and strong winds across the island, leaving at least 46 people dead and 23 missing, according to disaster-management authorities.
The powerful cyclone has triggered extensive flooding and landslides, particularly in the eastern and central regions, where some districts recorded over 300 millimetres of rainfall. Swollen rivers have breached banks, submerging homes, damaging roads, and isolating multiple communities.
More than 44,000 residents have been impacted, with thousands seeking refuge in temporary shelters set up in schools and public facilities. Rescue teams including the military, navy, and police are conducting search and evacuation operations using helicopters, boats, and heavy machinery to reach stranded families.
Authorities have closed schools, halted train services, and even suspended trading on the Colombo Stock Exchange as the storm’s impact continues to intensify. Low-lying districts, including parts of Colombo, remain under high flood alert, with officials urging residents to relocate to safer ground.
Emergency services warn that continued heavy rain could trigger more landslides in saturated hillside areas, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Restoration of infrastructure, clearing debris, and reopening critical transport routes remain challenging due to ongoing downpours.
Cyclone Ditwah’s destructive impact highlights Sri Lanka’s growing vulnerability to extreme climate-related weather events, placing additional pressure on the country’s emergency response systems. Relief efforts are underway, with displaced families receiving food, water, and medical assistance, though long-term recovery and rebuilding needs are expected to be substantial. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
