Cyclone Ditwah continues to wreak havoc in Sri Lanka and southern India, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life. According to reports, at least 334 people have died in Sri Lanka, with over 350 reported missing, as authorities work to assess the full impact of the storm. The worst-hit districts include Kandy, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale, with Kandy alone accounting for 88 deaths and 150 missing persons.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced the creation of a national fund to support relief and rehabilitation efforts. “Every sector, from small-scale workers to industrialists, farmers, and livestock breeders, has been severely impacted,” he said.
In southern India, Cyclone Ditwah has weakened into a deep depression but continues to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, and Vellore. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the system remains close to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts and is moving northwards at a speed of 10 kmph.
Authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have implemented precautionary measures, including school and college closures, and monitoring of coastal and low-lying areas. In Andhra Pradesh, nearly 7,900 pregnant women were identified as at risk due to heavy rainfall, with 375 moved to hospitals as a precaution.
India has also evacuated its last batch of stranded nationals from Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, safely bringing 104 passengers from Colombo to Thiruvananthapuram via IAF aircraft.
As rescue and relief operations continue, authorities urge residents to stay indoors, avoid non-essential travel, and follow local advisories.
