Cyclone Ditwah swept across Sri Lanka on Friday, causing widespread devastation that has resulted in 46 confirmed deaths and left 23 people missing. The majority of fatalities were caused by landslides triggered by intense rainfall exceeding 300mm (12 inches) in the eastern and central regions.
The crisis has impacted nearly 44,000 people nationwide, with many seeking refuge in schools and public shelters, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The situation is expected to worsen in the next 12 hours, as the Irrigation Department has warned that the floods affecting southern and eastern areas, including parts of the capital, Colombo, are anticipated to spread further due to continued torrential rain and strong winds.
Authorities have mobilized an extensive emergency response, with over 20,000 police and military personnel stepping up evacuation efforts in affected towns, including the outskirts of Colombo. Rescue operations have included dramatic airlifts of stranded individuals, such as 13 people trapped on a bridge in Polonnaruwa, families rescued from rooftops, and even a man pulled to safety from a coconut tree.
The economic and social impact is evident: the Colombo Stock Exchange halted trading early, and schools and train services remain suspended.3 Furthermore, the heavy rains disrupted operations at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), forcing 15 flights to be diverted to airports in south India (Trivandrum and Cochin). India has provided 6.5 metric tons of food aid as relief efforts continue while Cyclone Ditwah moves toward southern India.
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