Colombo: Sri Lanka reeled from one of its worst natural disasters in recent years as authorities confirmed that the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has soared to 212, with 218 people still missing. The cyclon accompanied by intense rainfall, river overflows, and landslides has wrought devastation across large swathes of the island. Nearly one million people have been affected, and around 200,000 residents are currently sheltering in 1,275 emergency camps, according to the national Disaster Management Centre.
Floodwaters breached the dam at the Mavil Aru Reservoir in the eastern region, forcing the military to carry out emergency airlifts. Over 120 individuals were evacuated by helicopter, and another 2,000 people were moved to safer ground. In central and western districts including the commercial capital Colombo and the suburb of Kelaniya whole neighbourhoods remain submerged. Critical infrastructure has collapsed: power, water, and communication lines were swept away, while many roads remain impassable due to mud, debris and landslide damage.
In Kelaniya, displaced families told harrowing stories. One resident described being trapped on the upper floor for over 48 hours with her children, subsisting solely on biscuits and water before being rescued by boat. “We only have the clothes we are wearing… we really need help,” she said, underscoring the scale of immediate humanitarian need.
Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, with more than 24,000 police, army, and air force personnel mobilized to reach stranded communities. Yet the situation remains dire: many affected regions are still inaccessible, and tens of thousands remain without shelter, food, safe water, or basic services. The government expects floodwaters to recede gradually over the next three days, and officials have pledged to restore essential services soon. But for now, thousands of families remain displaced and uncertain about their future.
The disaster’s aftermath underscores a mounting climate and humanitarian emergency in South Asia. As aid agencies and foreign governments prepare to deliver relief, Sri Lanka faces the arduous task of not only rebuilding homes and infrastructure but also restoring dignity and hope to communities shattered by this cataclysm.