Cyclone Death Toll Surges Past 120 as Sri Lanka Faces Crisis

UPDATE: The devastation from Cyclone Ditwah continues to escalate in Sri Lanka, with the death toll now exceeding 120 as urgent rescue efforts are overwhelmed. Reports confirm that large areas remain submerged, trapping people and complicating emergency responses.

As of early Saturday, 130 individuals are reported missing, and local officials warn that the final toll could be significantly higher. The cyclone’s fierce winds and torrential rains have inundated the island nation, affecting nearly all of its 25 districts, leading to widespread calls for assistance.

In a harrowing incident, dozens of passengers found refuge on the roof of a house in a region 100 miles north of Colombo after floodwaters submerged their bus. Meanwhile, nearly 100 students in eastern Sri Lanka are stranded in hostels without food or water as floodwaters continue to rise. Ten families, including children and the elderly, are trapped on the second floor of a residential building, desperately awaiting rescue.

The country’s Disaster Management Center has confirmed that the cyclone has caused damage on an unprecedented scale, overwhelming emergency services already stretched thin. The flooding has affected over 23 million people, with authorities reporting that transport and telecommunications disruptions have hindered rescue operations.

In the central district of Badulla, nearly 50 deaths have been recorded, with local officials indicating that 41 others are still unaccounted for. The situation is dire, as communities grappling with the aftermath of a long civil war and a recent economic crisis now face a natural disaster of immense proportions.

Authorities urge everyone in affected areas to remain vigilant and report any stranded individuals. The government is mobilizing additional resources to aid in recovery efforts, but officials warn that the worsening conditions may delay responses.

As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the crisis, ready to assist as needed. Stay tuned for updates as rescue operations continue and the full impact of Cyclone Ditwah becomes clear.