Sri Lanka, Dec 01 : At least 334 people have died and 370 remain missing as Cyclone Ditwah continues to unleash widespread devastation across Sri Lanka, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Local media, including the Daily Mirror, reported that the scale of destruction has affected 1.1 million people from over 309,000 families.
Kandy, Badulla among worst hit districts
Kandy district recorded the highest casualties with 88 deaths and 150 missing persons, followed by Badulla (71 deaths), Nuwara Eliya (68) and Matale (23). Persistent communication breakdowns in remote regions have hampered rescue coordination and relief efforts.
Telecom operators prioritise emergency calls
To ease network congestion, Sri Lanka’s telecommunications providers have begun giving priority to emergency calls, the President’s Media Division announced. Rescue teams continue to struggle with damaged infrastructure and difficult terrain.
India assists with coordinated rescue operations
Indian rescue teams are working closely with the Sri Lanka Air Force, Navy, Army, Police and local responders, conducting evacuations, delivering essential supplies and supporting affected families across the island.
President Dissanayake: ‘Worst natural disaster in our history’
In a national address, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the calamity as the worst natural disaster Sri Lanka has ever faced, assuring that the government is fully committed to emergency response, rehabilitation and long-term rebuilding.
He emphasised three core responsibilities:
Managing the immediate emergency,
Restoring normalcy, and
Rebuilding the country stronger than before.
The President clarified that the ongoing State of Public Emergency is solely for disaster management and does not restrict civil liberties. Restoration of electricity, water supply and communications has been prioritised.
Nationwide relief operations underway
Thousands of military personnel continue 24/7 rescue efforts, while the government pledged that no displaced person will be left without support. Dissanayake also appealed for international assistance and called on all political parties to unite during this critical period.