Worst Floods in Decades: 80 Dead, Thousands Left Homeless

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is in the grip of a national disaster as Cyclone Ditwah continues to wreak havoc, triggering flash floods, landslides, and infrastructure collapse across the island.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that more than 80 people have died, while 34 remain missing as rescue operations intensify.

Affected Population: 148,603 individuals from 44,192 families are suffering due to widespread flooding.

Displaced Families: 5,024 families (14,766 people) are now sheltered in 195 emergency centers.

Housing Damage: 42 homes completely destroyed, 2,810 partially damaged, leaving thousands homeless.

Three major bridges — Moragahakanda Main Bridge, Elahera Bridge, and Kumara Ella Bridge — have been washed away, cutting off vital transport routes and isolating communities in Matale, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, and Uva provinces. These routes were crucial for trade, agriculture, and relief convoys.

A special media briefing was held at the Ministry of Defence, attended by the Tri-Forces Commanders, disaster officials, and key stakeholders.

Retired Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of the DMC, urged citizens to strictly follow safety advisories as conditions worsen.

The Irrigation Department issued a stark warning: Kelani River is approaching historically high flood levels, posing severe risk to Colombo and surrounding areas.