Death toll in Sri Lanka from Cyclone Ditwah rises to 132; 176 missing

Colombo: The death toll from heavy floods and mudslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has risen to 132, with 176 people still reported missing, authorities said on Saturday.

Nearly 78,000 people have been displaced and are taking shelter in temporary facilities, according to the South Asian country's disaster management centre. Officials warned that the death toll is likely to increase as rescue teams reach areas that remain inaccessible. Social media posts on Saturday showed several regions affected by overnight mudslides that authorities have yet to reach.

What caused the flooding and landslides?

Sri Lanka has been battered by severe weather since last week. Conditions worsened on Thursday, when heavy downpours flooded homes, fields, and roads, triggering landslides mainly in the tea-growing central hill country.

In response, the government closed schools and offices and postponed examinations. Most reservoirs and rivers overflowed, blocking roads. Passenger trains were halted, and roads in several parts of the country were closed after rocks, mud, and fallen trees obstructed travel.

How is Colombo affected?

By Friday, water flowing downstream from severely affected areas began inundating regions around Colombo, the capital, which experienced comparatively lighter rainfall.

Authorities indicated that Ditwah, which developed in the seas east of Sri Lanka, is likely to move toward India's southern coast by Sunday.

What international assistance has been provided?

Neighbouring India dispatched two search and rescue teams, comprising 80 rescuers, and sent aid to support ongoing operations, the Indian embassy in Colombo said on Saturday.

AP inputs