Sri Lanka declares emergency as death toll from floods, mudslides reaches 153

Sri Lanka announced a state of emergency on Saturday and requested global assistance after floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah claimed 153 lives, with 191 individuals reported missing. The extreme weather event has destroyed over 20,000 homes, forcing 108,000 people into government-run temporary shelters, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

DMC spokesperson Pradeep Kodippili reported that an additional 798,000 residents were in need of aid after being temporarily displaced by the flooding. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake activated emergency powers, granting broad authority to manage the disaster caused by a week of relentless rainfall across the island.

Among the fatalities were 11 elderly residents of a care facility in Kurunegala district, where floodwaters surged on Saturday afternoon. Military personnel from the army, navy, and air force have joined forces with civilians and volunteers to support rescue and relief operations.

On Saturday, the military rescued 69 bus passengers stranded in Anuradhapura, including a German tourist, after a 24-hour effort. Survivors recounted being guided by navy personnel onto the roof of a nearby house using ropes. One passenger, W. M. Shantha, described the ordeal: "While we were on the roof, part of it collapsed... three women fell into the water but were pulled back onto the roof."

An initial helicopter rescue attempt had to be aborted due to rotor downdraft risks, but naval boats later evacuated the stranded passengers safely. In Badulla district, blocked roads left many villages isolated, preventing aid delivery. Saman Kumara, a resident of Maspanna, described the dire conditions: "We lost two people in our village... others are sheltering in a temple and a house that is still standing. There is no food, and clean water is running out."

Officials stated that about a third of Sri Lanka lacked electricity and running water due to collapsed power lines and submerged purification systems, while internet connections were disrupted. Cyclone Ditwah moved away from the island on Saturday toward India, prompting Chennai Airport to cancel 54 flights and warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 48 hours.

The Sri Lankan government appealed for international support and encouraged donations from the diaspora. India responded first, sending two cargo planes of relief supplies, two transport helicopters, and a 22-member rescue team. An Indian warship, already in Colombo, contributed its rations for disaster victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and pledged further assistance.

Flooding worsened in low-lying regions, leading authorities to order evacuations along the Kelani River near Colombo. Although rainfall eased in much of the country, northern regions continued to experience showers.

Cyclone Ditwah is now considered Sri Lanka's deadliest natural disaster since 2017, surpassing previous floods and landslides that claimed over 200 lives. The worst flooding in recent memory occurred in June 2003, with 254 fatalities.

Analysis: Sri Lanka's Struggle in the Aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah

The scale of destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah is unprecedented, leaving Sri Lanka grappling with one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent memory. The decision to declare a state of emergency and request international assistance underscores the severity of the situation. With 153 confirmed deaths and 191 people still missing, the floodwaters have not only claimed lives but have devastated entire communities. Over 20,000 homes have been destroyed, and hundreds of thousands are displaced, many of whom are now reliant on temporary shelters.

The government's response, spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has been swift, activating emergency powers and mobilizing military and civilian resources to assist in rescue operations. Yet, the logistical challenges remain overwhelming, with blocked roads hindering the delivery of aid to isolated areas, such as in Badulla district, where villagers are running low on food and clean water. The combination of flooding, landslides, and infrastructure collapse—particularly in relation to power lines and water purification systems—has made recovery efforts incredibly difficult.

International response has been immediate, with India providing much-needed supplies and assistance. The swift arrival of aid, including cargo planes, helicopters, and a rescue team, is a testament to the solidarity of neighboring countries. However, as Sri Lanka continues to battle the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, it remains clear that the full extent of the disaster will unfold in the coming days as the floodwaters recede and damage assessments are completed.

The loss of life, the widespread destruction, and the ongoing struggles of displaced families highlight the urgent need for continued global support. This catastrophe has reminded the world of the devastating impact of extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe in the face of climate change.

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• Sri Lanka declares emergency as toll from floods, mudslides hits 153