Sri Lanka Faces Devastating Floods As Cyclone Ditwah Claims Lives and Displaces Thousands

For several days, Sri Lanka has been grappling with extensive flooding and significant damage resulting from Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on Wednesday and began to dissipate by Saturday. The floods have tragically claimed the lives of at least 123 people, with 130 still reported missing, according to General Sampath Kotuwegoda, head of the National Disaster Management Center. He indicated that over 44,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. Each year during the monsoon season, Sri Lanka experiences damage that can lead to fatalities; however, this year’s figures are alarmingly above average. Historically, the worst flooding occurred in June 2003, leading to the death of 254 individuals. The frequency of such catastrophic weather events has been increasing in recent years, a troubling trend exacerbated by climate change, which has intensified the occurrence of extreme weather. The devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah emphasizes the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response measures in the face of changing climate patterns. As the country confronts recovery efforts, it is critical to also address the underlying factors contributing to this rise in extreme weather and its impacts on vulnerable populations. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2