Torrential rains caused by Cyclone Ditwah have so far claimed 123 lives in Sri Lanka. while another 130 people are still missing, TASR informs, according to an AFP report. Disaster Management Center Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda stated that rescue operations continue and nearly 44,000 people have been moved to state evacuation centers after their homes were destroyed by a week of heavy rains.
According to authorities, the devastating cyclone is moving away from the island towards neighboring India, but has already left behind extensive damage. “Rescue operations with the help of the armed forces are in full swing,” Kotuwegoda told reporters in Colombo. Sri Lanka has been battling inclement weather since last week, although the cyclone did not make landfall until Wednesday, causing record rainfall in many places.
Authorities reported that India on Saturday sent a plane carrying humanitarian supplies to Sri Lanka. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the loss of life and added that New Delhi is ready to send more aid. “We are ready to provide further support as the situation develops,” said Modi on the X platform.
