Sri Lanka's Cyclone Ditwah: A Devastating Toll

The aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah has left Sri Lanka grappling with severe consequences. The official count of lives lost has reached 212, with another 218 people still unaccounted for. The storm's impact has been widespread, affecting nearly a million individuals across the country. Floodwaters have caused significant damage, including breaching a dam, which prompted urgent rescue operations. Over 24, 000 personnel from the police, army, and air force are actively engaged in rescue missions. Helicopters have airlifted more than 120 people to safety, while around 2, 000 others have been relocated to higher ground. The commercial capital, Colombo, has been particularly hard hit. Dozens of families remain trapped in their homes due to rising floodwaters. In the suburb of Kelaniya, state agencies and donations are providing cooked meals, but many residents report not receiving enough aid. Over 17, 000 people are currently sheltering in temporary accommodations, awaiting the floodwaters to recede. One resident, Sunethra Priyadarshani, shared her harrowing experience. She and her sister, along with their four children, were stranded on the upper floor of their home for two days. With limited food supplies, they relied on biscuits and water. Fortunately, a rescue boat delivered lunch and helped them to safety. Now, they are seeking additional assistance as they plan to stay with relatives. Authorities expect the floodwaters to gradually subside over the next three days as the cyclone moves towards southern India. Efforts are underway to restore power, water, and communication services, which were severely disrupted by the floods. Meanwhile, the impact of similar natural disasters in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand has resulted in over 600 fatalities. Relief efforts continue in these regions as well, highlighting the broader challenges faced by South and Southeast Asia during this period.