Sri Lanka is facing a severe humanitarian crisis after Cyclone Ditwah swept across the country on Friday, causing widespread destruction. Officials confirmed that at least 46 people have died, while 23 remain missing as rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit regions.
According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), most of the deaths occurred due to landslides caused by nonstop rainfall. More than 300mm of rain fell within 24 hours as Cyclone Ditwah intensified over the island, affecting mainly the eastern and central provinces.
The DMC reported that 43,991 people have been evacuated to emergency shelters set up in schools and community buildings. Many families were rescued from rooftops after water levels rose rapidly in several districts.
Schools across the country remained closed due to dangerous weather conditions. Train services were suspended to prevent accidents, while the Colombo Stock Exchange halted trading early as heavy rainfall continued throughout the day.
Brigadier S. Dharmawickrema, Emergency Operations Director at the DMC, said reaching affected communities has become increasingly difficult. “Some villages are inaccessible because landslides have blocked key roads. Our teams are working nonstop to reach trapped families and move them to safe areas,” he told Reuters.
Authorities also warned that the storm could intensify further over the next 12 hours. The weather department stated that the path of Cyclone Ditwah remains unpredictable, and continued rainfall may worsen flooding and landslide risks.
Sri Lanka’s Ports and Civil Aviation Minister, Anura Karunathilake, said the country may divert flights to India if weather conditions deteriorate. Airports in Trivandrum and Cochin are being considered as alternatives.
Local media reported that at least six international flights, including those from Dubai, Muscat, New Delhi, and Bangkok, have already been diverted from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
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Emergency services remain on high alert as the government urges citizens in vulnerable areas to follow evacuation instructions and avoid traveling in affected regions.
