Cyclone Ditwah has left a trail of destruction in Sri Lanka, with nearly a third of the island nation without electricity or running water. The government has declared a state of emergency in response to the disaster, which has claimed at least 330 lives and displaced over 196,000 people. The cyclone, which hit the country’s east coast on Friday, has caused widespread flooding and landslides, with the highest number of deaths reported in the Kandy and Badulla regions.
According to the disaster management center, 108,000 people have been accommodated in temporary shelters, while more than 370 remain missing. The cyclone has destroyed over 20,000 homes, leaving many without access to basic necessities. The Sri Lankan government has urged the international community to provide aid to support those affected, with India already dispatching urgent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief materials.
Relief and rescue operations have been hampered by power cuts, landslides, and blocked roads, making it challenging for aid to reach affected areas. India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is coordinating with Sri Lankan authorities to provide assistance, including the deployment of helicopters from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which is currently docked in Colombo.
The cyclone has brought the country to a standstill, with many areas remaining inaccessible due to the flooding and landslides. The government’s declaration of a state of emergency highlights the severity of the situation, and the need for international support to respond to the disaster. As the situation continues to unfold, the focus will be on providing aid to those affected and restoring basic services to the affected areas.
The international community’s response to the crisis will be crucial in the coming days, with many countries likely to provide assistance to Sri Lanka. The Indian government’s prompt response, including the dispatch of humanitarian aid and deployment of disaster relief teams, is a significant step in supporting the relief efforts. As the situation develops, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of those affected by the cyclone, and to work towards restoring normalcy to the affected areas.