Death Toll from Sri Lanka's Cyclone Ditwah Rises to 159, Hundreds Still Missing

Colombo, November 30 (QNA) - The death toll from Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has risen to 159, with at least 203 people still missing. Sri Lankan media reported that floodwaters rose in parts of the capital, Colombo, Sunday, after Cyclone Ditwah left widespread destruction and claimed the lives of at least 159 people across the country.

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency last night to address the cyclone's aftermath and appealed to the international community for assistance.
Sri Lankan's Disaster Management Centre reported that the northern part of Colombo is experiencing severe flooding, with the Kelani River continuing to rise.
The Center noted that while rainfall has subsided across the island, many roads in the worst-affected Central Province remain impassable.

The floods and cyclone have destroyed more than 20,000 homes and forced 122,000 people into temporary state-run shelters. Another 833,000 people required government assistance after being displaced by the floods.Sri Lankan officials reported that about a third of the country remains without electricity or water due to the collapse of power lines and desalination plants, and internet connectivity is also disrupted. At this time of year, Sri Lanka experiences heavy rainfall due to the northeast monsoon, which has intensified in recent days due to a low-pressure system affecting the eastern part of the island. 

 

Source: QNA