Sri Lanka has activated emergency protocols as Cyclone Ditwah approaches, with the death toll from the storm rising to 56. Authorities have warned of heavy rainfall across the country as the storm moves northward toward India, prompting widespread evacuations and preparations for potential flooding. The government has deployed over 10,000 personnel to assist in rescue operations and distribute relief supplies to affected communities.
Emergency services are working around the clock to locate missing persons and provide medical aid to the injured. The country’s meteorological department has issued multiple warnings about the storm’s intensity and potential for flash floods and landslides. Infrastructure damage has been reported in several coastal regions, with roads and bridges damaged in Colombo and other urban centers.
Cyclone Ditwah is expected to make landfall in the northern coastal regions of Sri Lanka within the next 48 hours. The storm has already caused widespread power outages and disrupted transportation networks, with flights and ferry services canceled due to safety concerns. Officials have urged citizens to remain indoors and avoid low-lying areas during the storm’s peak.
International aid organizations have expressed concern over the situation, with several countries offering assistance to help with disaster relief efforts. The Sri Lankan government has requested emergency supplies and medical equipment from regional partners to support its response to the natural disaster. With the cyclone’s path still uncertain, authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s progression and adjusting their response strategies accordingly.