Cyclone Ditwah impact: Scenes of damage, resilience across Sri Lanka; India on edge
Cyclone Ditwah battered Sri Lanka with fierce winds and relentless rain, triggering floods, landslides across multiple districts; death toll crossed 130.
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A man is seen pushing a makeshift raft along a flooded street in Ambatale on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Saturday after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed torrential rains and powerful winds across the country, triggering widespread flooding and deadly landslides, especially in central and eastern hilly regions. The death toll climbed to 132, while 176 others remain unaccounted for. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the severe weather has damaged over 15,000 houses and forced nearly 78,000 people to take refuge in government-run relief camps, said a report by AFP.(AFP Photo)
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Two urban search and rescue teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force Personnel were sent by India to Sri Lanka for relief, along with a total of around 27 tons relief material delivered by air and sea. Cyclone Ditwah took shape over the southeast Bay of Bengal, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm before curving toward Sri Lanka’s eastern coast. It ultimately made landfall near Trincomalee. Floodwaters swamped towns including the capital and disrupted daily life, with schools, transport, and businesses shut down.(AFP Photo)
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In the midst of acute devastation, India triggered operation Sagar Bandhu, its naval relief mission to support Sri Lanka. The operation focused on delivering essential supplies, medical aid, and technical assistance to affected coastal regions. Many personnel were also deployed in Sri Lanka to help in ongoing rescue efforts.(Photo: X/@DrSJaishankar)
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An Indian Air Force plane carrying approximately 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items landed in Colombo on Saturday morning.(Photo: X/@DrSJaishankar)
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