Cyclone Ditwah claims 123 lives in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has appealed for international assistance as the death toll from catastrophic floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah climbed to 123, with 130 people still reported missing.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed on Saturday that the extreme weather has destroyed nearly 15,000 homes and displaced approximately 44,000 people, who are now sheltering in state-run relief centres.

Despite the cyclone moving towards neighbouring India, the central district of Kandy experienced further landslides, submerging sections of the main access road. DMC Director-General Sampath Kotuwegoda reported that thousands of military personnel have been deployed to intensify relief operations across affected regions.

"Relief operations with the help of the armed forces are under way," Kotuwegoda stated during a press briefing in Colombo.

The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society highlighted growing challenges in rescue efforts. Secretary-General Mahesh Gunasekara noted, "Many people remain stranded in flood-hit areas as water levels continue to swell. Although the cyclone is slowly moving away, the crisis is far from over for us."

Authorities issued evacuation orders for residents along the Kelani River, which overflowed on Friday evening, submerging communities in and around Colombo. The government has formally requested international support and called upon Sri Lankans abroad to contribute financial aid for nearly half a million affected citizens.

While rainfall has subsided in most areas, including the capital, northern regions continued to experience showers due to the cyclone's residual effects. Officials anticipate flood levels to surpass the 2016 records, which claimed 71 lives nationwide.