Cyclone Ditvaha causes heavy rains and floods in Sri Lanka, killing 123 people, 130 missing. 43,995 people are homeless and living in shelters. Army is running relief operation. India has sent immediate relief under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Colombo. Cyclone Ditvah has caused such devastation in Sri Lanka that no one had even imagined. Heavy rains, strong winds and continuously rising water created panic across the country. According to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Center (DMC), so far 123 people have died in this horrific natural disaster and more than 130 people are missing. Thousands of families have been forced to leave their homes and go to safer places.
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What is the condition of the capital Colombo?
The entire country has still not recovered from this shock. From the capital Colombo to Northern Sri Lanka, rain and floods have brought life to a standstill everywhere. The situation became so bad in many areas that people suddenly had to leave their homes and go to government shelters. More than 43,995 people have been left homeless, which is the most painful aspect of this disaster. Although rainfall has reduced in many parts, the residual effects of Cyclone Ditvaha are still active in northern Sri Lanka, causing continuous flooding. For this reason, the administration is continuously busy in taking people to safe places.
How did Cyclone Ditvah become so deadly?
Cyclone Ditvah started showing its effects from Monday itself. But its landfall on Wednesday completely worsened the situation. Record breaking rainfall occurred in many areas, which caused severe flooding in low-lying areas. The special thing is that this cyclone moved towards India, but its effect in Sri Lanka became so scary that the water started breaking its old records at many places.
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Swelling in Kelani River – can this cause further devastation?
The Kelani River, which passes through Colombo, suddenly swelled on Friday evening. The water broke its banks and almost entered many parts of the city. Hundreds of people had to be sent to safe places overnight. The administration says that if the water continues to rise like this, the situation may get worse.
Could Sri Lanka’s floods become worse than those of 2016 and 2003?
DMC officials warned that 71 people had died in the 2016 floods and 254 in the 2003 floods. But this time, looking at the number of deaths and missing people, it is being estimated that this disaster may perhaps be bigger than 2016. Even after the rains have stopped, many areas are still submerged in water, making relief operations more difficult.
Why did India immediately send help? And what help will come next?
India immediately sent a relief plane to help its neighboring country Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences on the loss of lives in Sri Lanka and said that India will continue to provide all possible assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Sri Lanka has always been among the priority countries under India’s “Neighborhood First Policy” and “Vision Ocean”. This is why India immediately sent relief material, HADR support and military assistance.
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Is the situation now coming under control or is the danger still there?
Rainfall has reduced in many places including the capital Colombo, but the residual effect of Ditwah in northern Sri Lanka still poses a threat. The administration says that it will take time to get complete relief, because many people are still stranded and it has become difficult to reach many villages.