Sri Lanka declares state of emergency as cyclone death toll hits 330

Cyclone Ditwah has left nearly a third of Sri Lanka without electricity or water.

Following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency. The storm, marked by severe flooding and landslides, has resulted in at least 330 fatalities.

According to the nation’s disaster management center, over 108,000 individuals are currently housed in temporary shelters, while more than 370 are still unaccounted for. The center estimates that approximately 20,000 homes have been destroyed and over 196,000 people displaced, making this the most severe weather-related catastrophe in recent years.

Kandy and Badulla have recorded the highest death tolls, with access to numerous areas in these regions remaining challenging, according to reports.

The Sri Lankan government has appealed to the global community for assistance in supporting those affected by the disaster. The cyclone made landfall on the country’s east coast on Friday and has since moved away, officials stated.

Relief and rescue efforts in Sri Lanka are being hindered by power outages, landslides, and road blockages.

India has sent emergency humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies to Sri Lanka. An Indian Air Force plane delivered 10 tons of supplies for disaster response, and a medical team is on the ground providing assistance.

India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is collaborating with Sri Lankan authorities to facilitate relief and rescue operations, stated Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.

Furthermore, New Delhi is deploying helicopters from the INS Vikrant, an aircraft carrier currently stationed in Colombo, to aid in the ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Sri Lanka.

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