Sri Lanka has declared a nationwide state of emergency and is requesting global support following catastrophic flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has resulted in 153 fatalities and 176 individuals unaccounted for so far.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that over 15,000 houses have been demolished, forcing approximately 78,000 residents to seek refuge in government-operated relief centres.
In response to the island-wide destruction from days of relentless rainfall, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake enacted emergency laws, granting himself sweeping powers to manage the crisis.
He said that military units from the army, navy, and air force have been mobilised to further intensify rescue operations.
A complex 24-hour mission utilising a helicopter and naval vessels succeeded in saving 69 bus travelers, among them a German national, who were stranded in the Anuradhapura region.
Authorities stated that nearly one-third of the nation is experiencing power outages and a lack of potable water due to damaged electrical infrastructure and flooded water treatment plants. Internet services have also been severely affected in numerous locations.
Cyclone Ditwah departed from Sri Lankan territory on Saturday, moving on a northerly track toward India. In anticipation, Chennai Airport in India has called off 54 flights, with meteorological experts predicting intense precipitation and powerful gusts within the next two days.
Call for global assistance
The administration has launched an international appeal for aid and is encouraging Sri Lankan expatriates to provide financial contributions for the impacted populations. Officials confirmed that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya briefed foreign diplomats stationed in Colombo on the current conditions and requested support from their respective nations.
This cyclone represents the most severe natural catastrophe to strike Sri Lanka since 2017, when over 200 people died and hundreds of thousands were displaced.
