Devastating Cyclone Ditwah Claims 193 Lives in Sri Lanka: Over 25,000 Homes Destroyed and 968,000 People Displaced

Residents wade through flooded streets after heavy rainfall in Wellampitiya on the outskirts of Colombo as Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc across Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's capital experienced widespread flooding on Sunday as Cyclone Ditwah unleashed torrential rains and triggered devastating mudslides across the island nation, with authorities confirming nearly 200 fatalities and dozens still missing.

Disaster management officials indicated that the full extent of destruction in the heavily impacted central region is only beginning to emerge as relief workers clear roadways blocked by fallen trees and mudslides.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has reported at least 193 deaths following a week of intense rainfall brought by Cyclone Ditwah, while 228 individuals remain unaccounted for.

Northern sections of Colombo are underwater as water levels in the Kelani River continue to rise rapidly, according to DMC officials.

"Despite the cyclone moving away, heavy rainfall in upstream areas is now causing flooding in low-lying regions along the Kelani River banks," explained a DMC representative.

By Saturday, Cyclone Ditwah had shifted course toward India.

Selvi, a 46-year-old resident from Colombo's Wennawatte suburb, evacuated her flooded home on Sunday carrying four bags containing clothing and valuable possessions.

"My house is completely submerged. I'm uncertain where to go, but I'm hoping to find a safe shelter for my family," she told AFP.

In Manampitiya, a town located 250 kilometers northeast of Colombo, receding floodwaters have revealed extensive damage.

"Although Manampitiya regularly experiences flooding, I've never witnessed such tremendous water volume," said 72-year-old resident S Sivanandan.

He informed the local News Centre portal that businesses and properties suffered substantial damage, with one car flipping upside down directly in front of his shop.

While serious injuries have been relatively limited, the National Blood Transfusion Service reports critical shortages in blood supply.

Lakshman Edirisinghe, the blood bank chief, stated their daily requirement is approximately 1,500 units of blood, but weather-related disruptions reduced Saturday's supply to merely 236 units.

"The floods and heavy rainfall prevented us from conducting our mobile blood collection campaigns," he explained to reporters in Colombo. "We urge donors to visit their nearest blood bank."

The National Building Research Organisation, which monitors hillside stability, has warned of high risks for additional landslides as mountain slopes remain saturated with rainwater.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency on Saturday to address the cyclone's aftermath and has requested international assistance.

India responded promptly, delivering relief supplies and dispatching two helicopters with crews to conduct rescue operations. Two additional helicopters were scheduled to join relief efforts on Sunday, officials confirmed.

Pakistan is also sending rescue teams according to the Sri Lankan Air Force. Japan has committed to sending an assessment team to evaluate immediate needs and promised further assistance.

The extreme weather system has destroyed over 25,000 homes and forced 147,000 people into government-operated temporary shelters.

An additional 968,000 individuals require assistance after being displaced by the devastating floods.

Military personnel from the army, navy, and air force have been deployed alongside civilian workers and volunteers to support relief operations.

This cyclone represents Sri Lanka's deadliest natural disaster since 2017, when flooding and landslides claimed more than 200 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents.

The country's worst flooding since 2000 occurred in June 2003, resulting in 254 fatalities.