Colombo, Nov 30 – Sri Lanka’s death toll from the heavy weather linked to Cyclone Ditwah has climbed to 153, and rescue teams are still searching for at least 191 missing people, local media said, citing the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
The islands are being battered by relentless rains, swelling rivers and stubborn landslides that are paralyzing life in many districts, Daily Mirror reported.
Current official data shows that 774,724 people from 217,263 families in 25 districts have been impacted, with several areas still grappling with floods, landslides and continuous rain.
The DMC added that 100,898 people from 27,494 households are currently staying in 798 evacuation centres as authorities distribute aid and aim to keep displaced residents safe.
Communication problems persist, complicating rescue and coordination in the hardest-hit zones.
The President’s Media Division announced that telecommunications firms will give priority to emergency calls, easing network traffic and bolstering the response effort. Weather is expected to clear up from Sunday onward.
Indian rescue personnel are collaborating with the Sri Lankan Air Force, Navy, Army, Police and local responders to help flooded communities. Evacuation, supply deliveries and emergency support are in progress across the island.
Two Indian Navy helicopters rescued eight people trapped by rising waters in Pannala, as India stepped up its disaster‑relief aid.
Four Indian helicopters are actively engaged in rescue operations nationwide, including two from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which flew multiple missions over Pannala where many homes had become inaccessible due to quickly rising water levels.
The rescued individuals were safely transported to secure locations and handed over to local authorities.
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