Sri Lanka’s capital is grappling with devastating flooding following a powerful cyclone that has unleashed torrential rains and mudslides across the island. The current disaster has resulted in nearly 200 fatalities, with authorities confirming that 193 people have died and 228 remain missing after a week of intense rainfall triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.
Relief workers are gradually assessing the damage, particularly in the central region, the hardest hit by the cyclone. Many roads remain obstructed due to fallen trees and mudslides, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. In Colombo’s northern districts, floodwaters from the swiftly rising Kelani River have inundated residential areas. A Disaster Management Centre official commented on the ongoing threat, stating, “Although the cyclone has left us, heavy rains upstream are now flooding low-lying areas along the banks of the Kelani River.”
Local residents have shared harrowing stories, including Selvi, a 46-year-old from Wennawatte, who evacuated her home with essential belongings, expressing uncertainty about her family’s next steps. “My house is completely flooded. I don’t know where to go, but I hope there is some safe shelter where I can take my family,” she recounted.
In Manampitiya, located approximately 156 miles northeast of Colombo, water levels are starting to decrease, exposing the extent of the devastation. S. Sivanandan, a 72-year-old resident, noted the unusual severity of the flooding and its impact on local businesses. Reports indicate that over 25,000 homes have been destroyed, displacing 147,000 individuals into temporary state-run shelters and leaving around 968,000 in need of assistance.
To address the crisis, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency and has sought international support. India was among the first responders, providing relief supplies and helicopter assistance for rescue operations. Pakistan and Japan have also pledged to send support teams to help assess needs and provide relief.
Military personnel from the army, navy, and air force are collaborating with civilian volunteers to assist in the relief efforts, which have become crucial in the wake of ongoing challenges posed by the climate crisis. Experts note that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, linked to shifts in storm patterns and intensified rainfall, which contribute to more severe flooding conditions.
The aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah marks Sri Lanka’s deadliest natural disaster since 2017, a reminder of the vulnerable intersection between climate phenomena and human living conditions. Despite the challenges faced, there remains a collective hope for recovery and resilience among the affected communities as aid continues to flow in from neighboring countries.