Colombo [Sri Lanka], November 30 (ANI): Devastating floods have torn via components of Colombo as Sri Lanka struggles with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with the dying toll rising to 193 and one other 228 folks nonetheless lacking, Al Jazeera reported, citing the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) assertion.
The cyclone’s relentless weeklong rains triggered widespread floods and mudslides throughout the island. Only now–after rescue groups cleared blocked roads–is the true scale of destruction within the central area coming into focus.
‘Although the cyclone has left us, heavy rains upstream at the moment are flooding low-lying areas alongside the banks of the Kelani River,’ a DMC official mentioned, as northern components of the capital confronted rising floodwaters.
In Manampitiya, about 250km (155 miles) northeast of Colombo, receding waters revealed catastrophic injury. ‘Manampitiya is a flood-prone city, however I’ve by no means seen such a quantity of water,’ mentioned 72-year-old resident S Sivanandan, describing ruined houses, companies and roads, as per Al Jazeera.
The catastrophe has additionally created a medical emergency. Blood provides have plunged to harmful ranges, with blood financial institution chief Lakshman Edirisinghe reporting simply 236 models collected on Saturday–far in need of the each day want of 1,500.
‘Because of floods and heavy rains, we had been unable to conduct our cell campaigns to gather blood,’ he mentioned, urging folks to donate at hospitals and blood banks, in response to Al Jazeera.
Authorities are additionally warning that saturated mountain slopes may set off new landslides within the days forward.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency on Saturday and appealed for worldwide assist. India was first to reply, sending aid provides and rescue helicopters, whereas Japan have additionally pledged help.
The cyclone has destroyed greater than 25,000 houses, forcing 147,000 folks into momentary shelters, with one other 968,000 requiring help after being displaced. Military personnel are working alongside civilian responders within the enormous aid effort.
This marks Sri Lanka’s deadliest pure catastrophe since 2017, when floods and landslides killed greater than 200 folks. The nation’s worst flooding this century occurred in June 2003, killing 254 folks. (ANI)