Nigeria TV Info

Sri Lanka Cyclone Ditwah Disaster: Death Toll Rises to 212, Over 218 Still Missing

Sri Lanka is reeling from one of its worst natural disasters in recent years as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah climbed to 212, with 218 people still missing, according to officials on Sunday. Rescue and relief operations have now stretched into a fourth consecutive day, hindered by relentless flooding and widespread devastation.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reports that nearly one million people have been affected by torrential rains and massive flooding that swept through multiple districts. Close to 200,000 residents have been forced into 1,275 temporary shelters as homes, roads, and farmlands remain underwater.

Record Rainfall, Landslides and Dam Breach Worsen Crisis

Since Thursday, record-breaking rainfall has triggered multiple landslides in the central highlands, burying homes and cutting off major access routes. Overflowing rivers have submerged entire towns, crippling transportation and communication networks.

Rescue efforts intensified after floodwaters breached the Mavil Aru Reservoir in eastern Sri Lanka. The military confirmed that the air force airlifted over 120 stranded individuals, while around 2,000 others were evacuated to higher ground for safety.

More than 24,000 police, army, and air force personnel remain deployed across the island, struggling to reach families still trapped by rising waters.

Colombo Among Worst-Hit Areas

The commercial capital, Colombo, is one of the hardest-hit locations, with dozens of families still stranded in flooded homes. In Kelaniya, a suburb of Colombo, state agencies and volunteer groups have been distributing cooked meals, but many displaced residents report that relief remains insufficient.

Authorities say more than 17,000 people are currently sheltering in relief camps across Colombo District, awaiting the gradual recession of floodwaters.

Government Calls for Urgent Aid

As the humanitarian situation worsens, Sri Lanka has appealed for urgent local and international support, emphasizing the need for food supplies, clean water, medical aid, and temporary housing.

Cyclone Ditwah continues to expose the vulnerabilities of disaster-prone regions in the Indian Ocean, with officials warning that recovery and reconstruction efforts may take weeks or even months.