Cyclone Death Toll Reaches 123 as Sri Lanka Faces Urgent Rescue Crisis

UPDATE: The death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has tragically surpassed 123 as Sri Lanka grapples with an urgent rescue crisis amid unprecedented flooding. The cyclone continues to batter the island nation, leaving large parts submerged and overwhelming emergency services with a surge in rescue requests.

As of early Saturday, 130 people are reported missing, with numerous desperate pleas for help flooding in from affected areas. In a harrowing incident, dozens of passengers climbed to the roof of a house in a central region, about 100 miles north of Colombo, after the waters rose overnight, completely submerging their bus.

In the country’s eastern region, nearly 100 students remain trapped in hostels, lacking food and water as floodwaters encroach upon them. Additionally, 10 families, including children and elderly members, are stranded on the second floor of a residential building, battling the relentless storm.

The cyclone’s impact is felt across half of Sri Lanka’s 25 districts, with 20 districts reporting the need for shelter relocations. The Disaster Management Center has indicated that the extent of the flooding, affecting a nation of 23 million, is nearly unprecedented, complicating rescue efforts due to disrupted transport and telecommunications.

In the central district of Badulla, local officials have reported nearly 50 deaths with 41 individuals still unaccounted for. Authorities express deep concern that the final death toll could rise significantly as rescue operations continue.

This natural disaster adds to the struggles of a nation still recovering from the scars of a decades-long civil war and the aftermath of a recent economic crisis. With every passing hour, the urgency of the situation intensifies, highlighting the need for immediate assistance and support for those affected.

Rescue operations are ongoing, but officials warn that the situation is fluid and evolving. The international community is urged to respond swiftly to help provide necessary aid to Sri Lankans in dire need.

Stay tuned for further updates as rescue efforts intensify and the full impact of Cyclone Ditwah unfolds.