00:00Sri Lanka is reeling today from one of the deadliest weather disasters to strike the
00:22island in years. Cyclone Ditwa has now exited Sri Lankan territory but not before leaving
00:29behind a trail of destruction. According to the Disaster Management Center, 123 people have
00:38been confirmed dead and another 130 remain missing. Authorities warn that these numbers
00:45may rise as communication with several hard-hit areas is still down. Over the past week, torrential
00:54rains, powerful winds, and sudden floods have battered communities across the island. Entire
01:02neighborhoods, roads, and bridges have been washed away.
01:09Director General Sumpf Kotawe Gola says relief operations are underway, with nearly 44,000
01:16people moved to state-run welfare centers after their homes were destroyed. 44,000.
01:28Meteorology officials explained that Cyclone Ditwa made landfall on Wednesday, but its effects
01:34were felt long before, starting from Monday, bringing record rainfall and widespread flooding.
01:41Although the cyclone has now moved away, heading toward the South Indian coast, experts warn that
01:48its indirect impact will continue, including heavy rains and high-speed winds in several
01:54regions. On Saturday, the situation worsened in low-lying districts. Authorities issued urgent
02:02evacuation orders for residents living along the Kalani River, which flows through Colombo and
02:08surrounding towns. Overnight, the river burst its banks, forcing hundreds more to flee to temporary
02:16shelters. Images from Colombo and surrounding towns show people navigating streets on makeshift rafts
02:24and families wading through waist-deep water, carrying children and belongings above their heads. A stark reminder
02:32of just how quickly this disaster escalated. Despite rains easing in much of the country, the northern regions
02:40continue to experience showers due to the cyclone's residual effects. Meanwhile, international assistance
02:48has begun arriving. Early Saturday morning, India dispatches a plane load of emergency supplies, responding
02:56to the growing humanitarian need. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and affirmed New Delhi's
03:04readiness to send more aid as the situation evolves. India's support comes under Operation Sagar Bandhu,
03:12original release effort aimed at assisting Sri Lanka during climate-driven emergencies. Back home, the Sri Lankan
03:20government has deployed the armed forces to bolster rescue missions. Helicopters, boats and ground teams
03:28are working around the clock to reach stranded families, deliver food and assist in evacuations.
03:35A longer pause. As Cyclone Ditwa moves further away, Sri Lanka now faces the enormous challenge of recovery
03:45from locating the missing to rebuilding communities and restoring critical infrastructure torn apart by
03:52the floods. For now, relief teams remain on high alert and thousands of displaced families wait in
04:00shelters hoping the worst has finally passed.
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