Sri Lanka has declared a nationwide state of emergency following catastrophic floods caused by heavy rainfall from Cyclone Ditawre, which have claimed the lives of over 130 people. The government has also appealed for international assistance to cope with the disaster.
According to reports from the French news agency AFP, the floods and landslides triggered by the cyclone have left 132 dead and 176 others missing. The countrywide emergency was announced on Saturday to manage the escalating crisis.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka reported that more than 15,000 homes have been damaged, and over 78,000 people have been relocated to government-run temporary shelters.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invoked emergency powers after a week of relentless rainfall. DMC Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda confirmed the death toll and the number of missing persons, emphasizing the scale of the disaster.
He added that the military, navy, and air force have been deployed to accelerate rescue operations. On Saturday, the armed forces conducted a 24-hour rescue mission in Anuradhapura district, saving 69 bus passengers, including a German tourist, using helicopters and navy boats.
One rescued passenger told reporters that naval personnel helped them navigate floodwaters using ropes and assisted them onto the roof of a nearby house. The passenger, identified as Shanta, said, “We were very fortunate. While on the roof, three women fell into the water but were safely rescued and brought back onto the roof.”
Shanta added that the initial helicopter rescue attempt had to be aborted due to safety concerns, and the passengers were later evacuated by boat.
In the central Badulla district, many roads have become impassable, cutting off several villages and delaying the delivery of relief supplies. Saman Kumara, a resident of the severely affected Maspanna village, said, “Two people have died in our village. Others are taking shelter in a temple, and some remain at home. We cannot leave, nor can anyone enter because all roads are blocked by landslides. There is no food, and clean water is scarce.”
Authorities reported that nearly one-third of the country has lost access to electricity and water due to downed power lines and submerged water treatment plants. Internet connectivity has also been disrupted in many areas.
Cyclone Ditawre moved northward towards India on Saturday. Chennai airport cancelled 54 flights due to the storm, while the meteorological department warned of continued heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 48 hours.
New landslides were reported in Kandy district, about 115 km east of Colombo, where major roads were submerged.
The Sri Lankan government has made an official appeal for international assistance and urged overseas Sri Lankans to send financial aid to affected communities. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya briefed Colombo-based diplomats on the situation and requested support. India responded promptly, sending relief materials via two aircraft and providing supplies through a warship visiting Colombo.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences over the loss of life in Sri Lanka and pledged additional aid.
This is the deadliest natural disaster in Sri Lanka since 2017, when floods and landslides killed over 200 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. The worst floods in recent history occurred in June 2003, when 254 people lost their lives. Source: AFP
