Colombo: At least 61 people have lost their lives and 25 others are missing as Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka, causing widespread flooding and landslides. Sri Lanka's Daily Mirror reported quoting the Disaster Management Centre that a total of 61 persons have died and 25 remain missing as severe weather continues to affect the island nation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions and incessant rains that began on November 16, 43,991 individuals from 12,313 families were affected across the country.
The Meteorological Department of Sri Lanka also predicted heavy rainfall above 200 mm at some places in the Northern, North-Central, Central, North-Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Western Provinces, while some places in the Trincomalee, Badulla, Galle, and Matara districts witnessed above 150 mm rainfall.
It also forecast very strong winds of 60-70 kmph over most parts of the country.
The authorities have closed down schools, educational institutions, and government offices as road and air transport, and electricity and water supplies got disrupted. The security teams consisting of the army, air force, and navy are engaged in search and rescue operations amid fears that more flooding and landslides may occur due to the inclement weather conditions.