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The devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has claimed the lives of 132 individuals, with 176 still unaccounted for, according to official reports.
Approximately 78,000 residents have been forced to seek refuge in temporary shelters, as stated by the nation’s disaster management agency.
As rescue efforts continue, the casualty figures are anticipated to increase. Social media activity on Saturday highlighted areas hit by overnight mudslides that remain inaccessible to emergency teams.
Sri Lanka has been enduring relentless severe weather conditions since last week. The situation worsened on Thursday with torrential rains causing widespread flooding of homes, agricultural land, and roads, as well as triggering landslides, particularly in the central hill regions known for tea cultivation.
In response, the government has shuttered schools and offices and has delayed scheduled examinations.
Most reservoirs and rivers have overflowed, blocking roads. Authorities stopped passenger trains and closed roads in many parts of the country after rocks, mud and trees fell on roads and railway tracks.
By Friday, water flowing downstream from severely affected areas began to inundate areas around the capital, Colombo, which experienced comparatively less rainfall.
Authorities say that Ditwah, which developed in the seas east of Sri Lanka, is likely to move toward India’s southern coast by Sunday.
Neighbouring India dispatched two search and rescue teams, comprising 80 rescuers, and sent aid to support ongoing operations, the country’s embassy in Colombo said Saturday.