Cyclone death toll reaches 123 in Sri Lanka with 130 still missing

The death toll from Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has risen to 123, with 130 individuals still missing as severe weather continues to batter the island nation. The cyclone, which made landfall on November 26, has affected approximately 373,428 people from 102,877 families, with nearly 44,000 people relocated to emergency shelters across the country.

Regional Impact and Casualty Distribution

The Kandy District has suffered the heaviest losses with 51 confirmed fatalities and 67 people still unaccounted for. Badulla District reports 35 deaths with 27 missing, while other severely affected regions include Kegalle with nine fatalities, Matale with eight, Nuwara Eliya with six, and Ampara with five deaths. The devastating weather system has caused massive flooding and landslides across multiple districts since November 17.

Government Response and Emergency Measures

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered the deployment of more than 20,000 military personnel to conduct rescue operations and assist affected communities. Authorities have issued high-risk flood alerts for several major rivers, advising downstream residents to evacuate immediately. Red-alert landslide warnings remain in effect for eight high-risk districts, indicating severe danger to hillside communities and vulnerable zones.

Regional Weather Patterns and Future Projections

Cyclone Ditwah is projected to move toward India's southern coast in Tamil Nadu state by early Sunday, potentially disrupting flight services and education in affected regions. The storm represents the latest in a series of severe weather events that have impacted South Asia during the current monsoon season, highlighting the region's vulnerability to climate-related disasters.