Sri Lanka has declared a national state of emergency as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah climbed to 159, turning one of the year’s strongest storms into a devastating humanitarian crisis. The cyclone swept across coastal districts with destructive winds, torrential rain, and severe flooding, leaving entire communities submerged and triggering widespread landslides in the central and southern regions.
Authorities said rescue teams are still struggling to reach several isolated villages where communication lines have collapsed and roads remain blocked by fallen trees and debris. The military has been deployed to assist with large-scale evacuations, while emergency crews are working around the clock to locate dozens of people still missing.
Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre reported that tens of thousands have been displaced, with many now sheltering in makeshift relief camps set up in schools and public buildings. Officials warn that the number of casualties may continue to rise as floodwaters recede and more affected areas become accessible.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced the state of emergency after reviewing initial damage assessments, saying the government will mobilize “every available resource” to stabilize the situation. He urged international partners to support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, noting that essential supplies — including medical kits, clean water, and temporary housing — are urgently needed.
Meteorologists said Cyclone Ditwah intensified more rapidly than forecast, causing severe coastal surges and record-breaking rainfall in several districts. Flash floods destroyed bridges, cut power lines, and washed away hundreds of homes. Rural regions reliant on agriculture have also suffered massive crop losses, raising concern about food security in the coming weeks.
Humanitarian agencies operating in the region have issued alerts warning of potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases if relief operations are delayed. Aid workers say many families have lost everything and require immediate assistance.
With weather conditions slowly improving, the focus is now shifting toward relief distribution and damage assessment. But for many across Sri Lanka, the scale of Cyclone Ditwah’s destruction is only beginning to emerge — and the road to recovery is expected to be long and challenging.