Post by : Raina Al-Fahim
Colombo: Sri Lanka grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has resulted in 123 fatalities and around 130 individuals reported missing, as per the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The cyclone's midweek landfall triggered extensive flooding across the nation, forcing nearly 44,000 people into state-run shelters after losing their homes during the week of relentless rain.
Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General, announced that relief operations are actively in progress, supported by armed forces. “We are working to assist affected individuals and relocating them to safer accommodations,” he stated, noting that rescue efforts involve helicopters and boats to reach those trapped by the floods.
While most parts of the country have seen a reduction in rainfall, northern regions are still experiencing downpours due to the cyclone’s lingering impact. Areas along the Kelani River near Colombo have been severely impacted, with the river overflowing on Friday night, necessitating the evacuation of hundreds who sought refuge elsewhere.
In response to the emergency, India has dispatched a plane filled with vital supplies to assist in relief initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sympathies for the lives lost in Sri Lanka and reiterated New Delhi's readiness to offer further assistance as developments unfold.
Authorities have cautioned that current flood levels might exceed those of prior years, including the catastrophic 2016 floods that claimed 71 lives nationwide. This year, Sri Lanka has encountered some of the worst flooding in recent decades, with the 2003 disaster resulting in 254 deaths.
As the situation continues to evolve, rescue operations remain paramount, with military personnel and DMC teams working relentlessly to offer aid and evacuate at-risk communities.
The consequences of Cyclone Ditwah reveal the heightened vulnerability of the nation to extreme weather patterns, emphasizing the pressing need for improved disaster readiness and rapid response strategies.
Iran Strikes UAE 167 Missiles 541 Drones Hit Dubai
Iran launches large-scale missile and drone assault on UAE forcing airport shutdowns and triggering
UAE Rejects Sudan Conflict Allegations at UN Human Rights Council
Emirati diplomat issues Right of Reply in Geneva dismissing accusations and urging accountability fo
NCM issues fog and low visibility warning in UAE
National Centre of Meteorology warns of fog and reduced visibility in coastal and internal areas, ur
UAE expresses full solidarity with Kuwait over maritime rights
UAE expresses full solidarity with Kuwait and urges Iraq to resolve maritime concerns through intern
Dubai Parks to Offer Free Medical Tests During Ramadan
Free health screening buses will provide eye, blood pressure and glucose tests across major Dubai pa
T20 World Cup India Prepare to Crack Spin Test in Super Eight
Bowling coach Morne Morkel confident Indian batters will regain rhythm against spinners as Super Eig