Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Sri Lanka is experiencing one of its most serious natural disasters in recent years after Cyclone Ditwah brought extremely heavy rainfall and widespread floods to many parts of the island. According to the Disaster Management Centre, 123 people have died and around 130 are still missing. This major weather event affected the country throughout the week, causing destruction to homes, roads, and essential services.
Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda confirmed that relief and rescue work is continuing nonstop. Around 43,995 people have been shifted to government-run welfare centres because their homes were either damaged or completely destroyed. Many families lost everything overnight as water levels rose quickly, giving them very little time to escape. Soldiers, police teams, and volunteers are working together to help the affected people. Emergency response, food supplies, and medical support are now the top priorities for authorities.
Although the cyclone has now moved away from Sri Lanka and is heading toward India, the destruction it caused remains widespread. Officials said that the impact of the weather system began earlier in the week, even before the cyclone officially made landfall on Wednesday. The rains recorded in several districts were some of the highest in recent history. Flooding and landslides continued in different low-lying regions even after the rain started to weaken.
On Saturday, conditions worsened along the Kelani River, which flows from central Sri Lanka to the Indian Ocean near Colombo. The river overflowed after continuous rain, forcing authorities to issue evacuation orders for nearby communities. Hundreds of people had to leave their homes on Friday night and stay in temporary shelters. Even though the weather improved in Colombo and several other regions, areas in the north still reported light showers. The flood situation remains uncertain because water levels can rise again if the rain returns.
India quickly responded to Sri Lanka’s crisis by sending a planeload of essential supplies under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The aid shipment arrived early Saturday with food, medicine, and other emergency materials. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the loss of lives and assured that India will provide more help if needed. This support is expected to help thousands of Sri Lankan families struggling with the aftermath of the disaster.
The Sri Lankan government has deployed the army, navy, and air force throughout the country to rescue stranded people and deliver relief items. Helicopters are being used to airlift families from flooded regions, while boats are transporting those trapped inside homes and buildings. According to DMC officials, the current natural disaster could create water levels even higher than those seen in 2016, when 71 people died due to heavy flooding.
This week’s disaster has become the deadliest weather-related incident in Sri Lanka since June last year, when 26 people lost their lives during severe rainfall. The country also witnessed deadly floods and landslides in December, which killed 17 people. However, the worst flooding in the country’s recent history remains the 2003 disaster, which claimed 254 lives. Authorities fear that if rains continue, this year’s numbers may increase as rescue teams are still searching for missing people.
Officials are asking citizens to follow all safety alerts, avoid traveling in flooded regions, and move to higher ground if needed. The government will continue rescue work until all affected families receive support. The focus now is on preventing further loss of life and helping people rebuild their homes and communities.
English
