As many as 123 people have died and 130 remain missing in Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed torrential rains, widespread flooding and landslides across the island.
Hundreds of homes were destroyed or badly damaged, forcing more than 43,000 people into state-run welfare centres. Floodwaters and landslides have cut off roads, made areas inaccessible and caused significant disruption to daily life. Major reservoirs are nearing or exceeding capacity.
A large landslide was reported in the Ankumbura, Galkotuwa area of Kandy district. The irrigation department has issued a high-risk flood warning for the next 24 hours for low-lying parts of the Maha Oya Basin.
Three major bridges — Moragahakanda Main Bridge, Elahera Bridge and Kumara Ella Bridge — were washed away, severing vital transport links and isolating communities in Matale, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala and Uva provinces. Disaster officials said the severe weather has hampered access to affected sites and slowed rescue and assessment efforts.
India has dispatched aid, sending 80 National Disaster Response Force rescuers and four search dogs aboard an IL-76 aircraft from Hindon airbase to Colombo. The Indian Air Force has also deployed C-130 and IL-76 transport aircraft carrying paramilitary personnel and relief supplies as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
