NewKerala.com

Sri Lanka Cyclone Tragedy: Death Toll Hits 123 Amid Rescue Battle

The death toll from Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has risen to 123 people with many more still missing. Rescue operations are intensifying across multiple districts as communities struggle with widespread destruction. Dramatic rescues have taken place, including saving 40 people from a flooded bus. International support is arriving with India delivering crucial relief supplies and disaster response teams.

Key Points: Cyclone Ditwah Death Toll Reaches 123 in Sri Lanka

  • Kandy District records highest casualties with 51 deaths and 67 missing
  • Over 373,000 people affected by floods, landslides and powerful winds
  • 40 passengers rescued from bus swept away by Kala Oya floodwaters
  • India delivers 27 tonnes of relief material with NDRF teams joining rescue efforts
2 min read

Cyclone Ditwah: Death toll in Sri Lanka climbs to 123, rescue efforts intensify

Sri Lanka's cyclone death toll climbs to 123 with 130 missing as rescue operations intensify across affected districts. India sends relief aid and NDRF teams.

"The destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah has deeply affected communities across the country. - Disaster Management Centre"

Colombo, Nov 29

Sri Lanka continues to struggle with the severe aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, as the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that the death toll has climbed to 123 over the past few days, according to local media reports on Saturday.

Authorities have also stated that 130 people remain missing, with rescue and relief operations ongoing, as reported by the Daily Mirror.

The Kandy District has recorded the highest number of casualties, reporting 51 deaths, while 67 individuals are still unaccounted for. In Badulla District, 35 deaths have been confirmed, with 27 people reported missing.

Other regions severely affected include Kegalle with nine deaths, Matale with eight, Nuwara Eliya with six, and Ampara with five.

The DMC said the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah has deeply affected communities across the country. A total of 373,428 people from 102,877 families have been impacted by floods, landslides, and powerful winds.

Residents in low-lying parts of the Maha Oya valley have been urgently advised to exercise extreme caution, as authorities warn of a potentially high-risk flood situation of a severity not experienced in recent times in the area.

At least 40 people, including a foreign woman, were rescued from a bus that was swept away by floodwaters on the Kala Oya Bridge along the Anuradhapura–Puttalam road.

The bus, which had around 60 passengers on board, was forced to halt as rising waters pushed it off course, prompting passengers to climb onto the roof of a nearby house for safety.

Officials noted that the evacuation could not be carried out on Saturday night due to dangerously high water levels.

Meanwhile, India has delivered 27 tonnes of relief material under Operation Sagar Bandhu to support Sri Lanka in its time of crisis.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that additional aid is on the way.

Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 80 personnel, have also arrived in Sri Lanka to join ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The Kandy District alone has 51 deaths... that's absolutely devastating. Can't imagine what those families are going through. Hope the rescue teams can find the missing people soon. Nature's fury knows no borders.
S
Sarah B
The bus incident sounds terrifying - 60 passengers stranded on a roof overnight! Thank goodness 40 were rescued including that foreign woman. Shows how quickly these situations can turn dangerous. Hope the remaining passengers are found safe.
A
Arjun K
Proud of India's quick response with 27 tonnes of relief material and NDRF teams. This is what good neighbors do - help each other in times of crisis. Hope our teams can save more lives there. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
373,428 people affected across 102,877 families - that's almost a small city's population! The scale of this disaster is massive. Hope international aid reaches quickly and the warning systems prevent further casualties.
K
Kavya N
While I appreciate India's help, I wonder if we could have sent aid even faster. Every hour counts in such disasters. Still, better late than never. Hope our NDRF teams make a real difference on the ground.
V
Vikram M
The Maha

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50