Following the devastating onslaught of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, with the death toll now exceeding 123. The cyclone’s relentless winds and torrential downpours have resulted in extensive flooding and deadly landslides across the country, causing immense destruction to infrastructure and displacing thousands. Rescue and relief operations are in full swing.
The Disaster Management Centre has reported that the cumulative death toll has reached 123, with an alarming 130 people still missing. The Kandy District has been particularly hard-hit, recording 51 fatalities and 67 missing individuals. Badulla District has confirmed 35 deaths and 27 missing. Other affected areas include Kegalle, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Ampara, each reporting casualties and significant damage. In total, over 373,000 individuals from more than 100,000 families have been impacted by the cyclone’s aftermath.
Amidst the crisis, India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to provide crucial assistance. An Indian Air Force aircraft delivered 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, including specialized search teams and sniffer dogs, along with vital relief supplies and rescue equipment. Naval assets, including INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri, have also delivered substantial consignments of aid. The Indian High Commission in Colombo has established an emergency help desk for Indian nationals affected by the cyclone.