Cyclone Ditwah Havoc Pushes Sri Lanka’s Toll To 153

• Cyclone Ditwah impact worsens as floods and landslides spread across districts
• Indian rescue teams join Sri Lanka forces in nationwide operations

The death toll in Sri Lanka has risen to 153 as severe weather triggered by Cyclone Ditwah continues to cause devastation across the island nation. Local media, quoting the Disaster Management Centre, reported that at least 191 people are still missing as rescue work expands. Meanwhile, officials say the situation remains critical in several districts due to heavy rain, rising floodwaters and repeated landslides.

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According to the media, the country is battling harsh weather that has disrupted daily life across many regions. Floods have damaged roads and villages, while continuous rain has made rescue movement difficult. Latest official figures show that 774,724 individuals from 217,263 families across 25 districts have been affected. Many areas remain submerged, and teams are still trying to reach people stranded in remote zones.

Authorities said that 100,898 people from 27,494 families are now staying in 798 evacuation centres. These centres are providing basic protection as officials work to maintain safety and supply relief. However, communication issues continue to slow operations in the worst-hit pockets. The President’s Media Division said that the country’s telecommunications operators agreed to prioritise emergency calls to ease congestion. This move, officials hope, will help streamline rescue efforts. Weather conditions may improve from Sunday, giving teams better access to affected areas.

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Indian rescue teams are also working in coordination with the Sri Lanka Air Force, Navy, Army, Police and local responders. Their joint efforts include evacuations, supply drops and urgent medical support. Two Indian Navy helicopters rescued eight people trapped by rising waters in Pannala. Officials said four Indian helicopters are active in missions nationwide, including two operating from INS Vikrant. These aircraft conducted multiple sorties over flooded neighbourhoods where homes became inaccessible due to fast-rising water. The rescued people were moved to safe locations and handed over to local authorities for further care.

Sri Lanka is still assessing the scale of destruction as operations continue. Relief agencies expect more updates as communication improves and teams reach isolated areas.

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