Colombo, December 7 (ANI) — Cyclone Ditwah has left at least 627 people dead in Sri Lanka, and roughly 190 remain unaccounted for, officials reported, as relentless rain, flash floods and landslides inundated towns and pushed rivers to record levels. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC), cited by Daily Mirror, said the storm affected all 25 districts and disrupted the lives of 2,179,138 people from 611,530 families.
Flooding and landslides damaged roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure, complicating search and relief work. Rescue teams continue efforts to locate missing people and reach isolated communities.
The Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply said house damage assessments are due to start on December 8. A committee formed under the Presidential Secretariat will carry out the surveys to determine which households qualify for government aid.
India is providing assistance through Operation Sagar Bandhu. The Sri Lankan Army said a 73-member Indian Army medical team that arrived on December 2 has been supporting relief operations. From December 5, the Indian field hospital has offered outpatient care, emergency services and minor surgeries. According to the Indian Army, the field hospital has treated more than 1,250 patients, performed major emergency surgeries and helped restore access by installing three Bailey bridges.
Relief agencies and authorities are coordinating to restore services, clear debris and deliver food, shelter and medical assistance to affected communities as recovery efforts continue.
