Colombo: Sri Lanka continues to face a deepening humanitarian crisis as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has risen to 334, according to the latest official reports. Rescue teams are still searching for nearly 400 people who remain missing after widespread floods and landslides struck several districts.
More than 1.3 million people have been affected by the cyclone, which is being described as one of the worst natural disasters to hit Sri Lanka in decades. Thousands of homes have been damaged or swept away, and many roads and bridges remain cut off, making rescue operations challenging. Emergency shelters are overcrowded as families wait for food, clean water and medical care.
Many areas in the central hill region remain difficult to access because of collapsed slopes and rising water levels. Officials say the number of casualties could increase as more remote villages come into contact with rescue teams.
India has increased its support through Operation Sagar Bandhu, sending more aircraft, disaster response teams and relief supplies including food, blankets, medicine and clean drinking water. Indian Air Force helicopters have also been carrying out rescue missions in flooded and landslide-hit areas, airlifting stranded families to safer locations. Indian authorities have also evacuated several Indian nationals trapped by the disaster.
Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency and granted local authorities permission to use emergency funds for immediate relief. The government has urged international organizations and friendly nations to assist with long term rebuilding and rehabilitation.
While weather conditions are slowly improving, the impact of the cyclone continues to affect daily life. Large areas remain without power, schools are closed and many families say they have lost everything.
Humanitarian teams warn that the coming days will be critical as the country races to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure survivors receive adequate food, shelter and medical attention.
Authorities say full recovery will take time and significant support, but rescue and relief efforts are continuing across the affected regions.