Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
Sri Lanka is grappling with a significant natural disaster as Cyclone Ditwah sweeps through the nation, resulting in 46 deaths and leaving 23 individuals unaccounted for. The storm has unleashed torrential rain and fierce winds, contributing to hazardous flooding in various regions. Officials have issued warnings that conditions may deteriorate further within the next 12 hours due to forecasted rainfall.
Most casualties were linked to landslides, with particular areas in the east and central regions receiving over 300 millimetres of rain in a short span, leading to hillside collapses and homes being buried. Many communities were unprepared for the rapid rise in water levels, forcing thousands to evacuate.
The Disaster Management Centre reports that close to 44,000 residents have been impacted nationwide. Numerous families have sought refuge in schools and public facilities after losing access to their own homes. Rescue operations are ongoing, although relentless winds and continuous rainfall have complicated these efforts.
Floodwaters have engulfed extensive areas of southern and eastern Sri Lanka, including several neighborhoods in the capital, Colombo. Authorities have indicated that flooding could extend further, placing additional communities in jeopardy. In response to the hazardous conditions, trading on the Colombo Stock Exchange was suspended prematurely, and schools along with various train services have been closed.
The military and police forces are actively engaged in large-scale rescue operations. In a notable mission, the air force successfully airlifted 13 people trapped on a bridge in Polonnaruwa, situated approximately 220 kilometers from Colombo. Other families stranded on rooftops have also been rescued, including one individual who had to be airlifted after climbing a coconut tree to evade rising waters.
Heavy rainfall has disrupted activities at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, with at least 15 flights redirected to Indian airports, including Trivandrum and Cochin. These disruptions have resulted in additional delays for travelers and increased strain on emergency services already managing a nationwide crisis.
India has sent 6.5 metric tons of food aid to support relief efforts in Sri Lanka. The Indian High Commission stated that the quick response came as Cyclone Ditwah approached southern India. International assistance may continue as the extent of the damage becomes apparent.
Over 20,000 police and military personnel have been deployed across various towns to aid in evacuations. Several neighborhoods near Colombo are still coping with rising water levels. Residents have shared their experiences of fear and uncertainty as they observe floodwaters surround their properties. Mohammed Rumy, a 70-year-old from Wellampitiya, reported that strong winds exacerbated the crisis, and he aided in moving furniture out of neighboring homes before seeking shelter with his family.
As the cyclone wreaks havoc, Sri Lanka is still in the process of recovering from economic struggles and previous climate-related calamities. With more rain anticipated, officials are urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to safer locations immediately. The forthcoming hours are critical as emergency teams strive to protect lives, restore essential services, and avert further disaster.
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