Sri Lanka declares emergency as Cyclone Ditwah floods kill at least 193

Sri Lanka (MNTV) — Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency on Saturday as the death toll from catastrophic flooding and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah climbed to at least 193, with authorities warning that the number could rise further.

Local media reported that 220 people remain missing.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake enacted the emergency order amid massive damage across the island, where heavy rain, washed-out roads, and widespread power outages continue to hinder rescue operations.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said more than 373,000 people from over 102,000 families have been affected since severe weather began on Nov. 17.

Nearly 44,000 people have been moved to almost 500 temporary shelters, and close to 15,000 homes have been destroyed.

Officials have issued high-risk flood alerts for major rivers and red-alert landslide warnings across several districts, urging communities in vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately.

In the central district of Kandy, fresh landslides cut off the main access road on Saturday.

Dissanayake has ordered the deployment of more than 20,000 military personnel to bolster rescue and relief efforts.

DMC Director-General Sampath Kotuwegoda said army, navy, and air force teams are working to reach stranded families, noting that “relief needs have been increasing” as floodwaters remain high.

Mahesh Gunasekara, secretary-general of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, warned that many communities are still isolated. “Although the cyclone is moving away, it is not over for us yet,” he said.

The government has appealed for international assistance and encouraged Sri Lankans abroad to contribute.

Foreign missions have released bank details to support relief funds.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya also met Colombo-based diplomats to seek additional support.

India became the first country to respond, sending two aircraft with relief supplies and diverting rations from a visiting naval ship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and said New Delhi stands ready to send more aid.

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry also said that it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives in floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka,” the ministry said in a statement.

“We extend our condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and to the people of Sri Lanka,” the statement read.

Floodwaters continued to rise along the Kelani River on Friday night, forcing hundreds into shelters after the river burst its banks near Colombo.

Officials fear water levels may surpass those recorded during the devastating 2016 floods.

While rains eased in many areas on Saturday, parts of northern Sri Lanka were still experiencing showers due to the storm’s residual effects.

The current death toll is the highest from weather-related disasters since June last year.