Tamil Nadu – Heavy rains from Cyclone Ditwah wreaked catastrophic havoc across Sri Lanka on Friday, claiming 46 lives and leaving 23 people missing, as officials warned the storm could intensify in the coming hours. The weather disaster marks one of the most severe events the island nation has faced in recent years, prompting massive evacuation and rescue operations involving military personnel.
Deadly Landslide in Tea-Growing Region
The most devastating single incident related to Cyclone Ditwah occurred in the central tea-growing district of Badulla, where a massive landslide swept through homes overnight, killing 21 people. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that this catastrophic event resulted from extraordinarily heavy rainfall that saturated hillsides, causing them to collapse onto residential areas below.
Most casualties from Cyclone Ditwah were caused by landslides after more than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rainfall drenched the island’s eastern and central regions within just 24 hours. This intense precipitation overwhelmed drainage systems and destabilized slopes across vulnerable areas, creating conditions for multiple deadly landslides.
Mass Evacuations and Shelter Operations
The scale of displacement caused by Cyclone Ditwah has been substantial. The DMC reported that 43,991 people had been evacuated to schools and public shelters, including families rescued from rooftops as floodwaters rose rapidly. Nearly 44,000 people have been affected by the storm’s impact, requiring emergency accommodation and humanitarian assistance.
The evacuation operations during Cyclone Ditwah involved dramatic rescues of stranded individuals. In Anuradhapura, a military helicopter conducted three rescue operations, including airlifting a man who had sheltered atop a coconut tree overnight to escape rising waters. These operations highlight the desperate situations many residents faced as the storm intensified.
Storm Characteristics and Trajectory
Cyclone Ditwah began as a deep depression before intensifying into a full cyclonic storm. The name “Ditwah” was contributed by Yemen and refers to the Detwah Lagoon on Socotra Island, known for its unique coastal ecosystem. The storm is currently located over coastal Sri Lanka and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, moving north-northwest at 10 kmph over the last six hours.
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Meteorological authorities warn that Cyclone Ditwah continues to pose significant threats. More than 200 mm (7.8 inches) of additional rain is expected in central and northern regions, according to the Met Department. River levels are rising dangerously, with a red-level flood warning issued for low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley, including Colombo, for the next 48 hours.
Massive Military Deployment
Sri Lankan authorities deployed approximately 20,500 army personnel for relief and rescue operations related to Cyclone Ditwah. Brigadier S. Dharmawickrema explained the challenges facing rescue teams: “We are continuing rescue operations in the worst-hit areas, but some villages are difficult to reach because roads are blocked by landslides…we are doing our best to get everyone to safety.”
The military response to Cyclone Ditwah has involved helicopter operations, boat rescues, and ground evacuation efforts across affected regions. The scale of deployment reflects the severity of the disaster and the government’s commitment to saving lives and providing assistance to affected populations.
Transportation and Infrastructure Impact
Cyclone Ditwah has severely disrupted transportation networks across Sri Lanka. Key roads have been closed and most train services cancelled since 06:00 on Friday. The Colombo Stock Exchange halted trading early as heavy rain persisted, reflecting the storm’s economic impact beyond immediate physical damage.
Aviation has also been affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilake announced that flights may be diverted to Trivandrum or Cochin in India. Six flights from Muscat, Dubai, New Delhi, and Bangkok were already rerouted due to dangerous conditions at Sri Lankan airports.
Parliamentary Response and Emergency Measures
During parliamentary proceedings, MP Ajith Perera raised urgent concerns about a stranded bus near Kala Wewa during Cyclone Ditwah, stating: “I have been getting multiple reports of a bus that has been stranded near the Kala Wewa for one and a half hours,” urging approval for helicopter rescue. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed the bus was halted due to dangerous conditions and authorized helicopter deployment, assuring “They will be rescued.”
Schools were closed and A-level exams have been postponed due to the extreme weather conditions created by Cyclone Ditwah. These measures aim to protect students and prevent unnecessary risk during the ongoing crisis.
Tamil Nadu Alert
With Cyclone Ditwah nearing, the IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai issued a three-hour yellow alert for several districts in Tamil Nadu on Friday. The alert covers isolated areas in Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukkudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and other districts, with light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and lightning likely.
Historical Context
Sri Lanka rarely experiences such severe conditions during monsoon season. The worst flooding this century occurred in 2003, killing 254 people. The devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah approaches that historical benchmark, underscoring the exceptional nature of this weather event and its tragic human toll.
