Cyclone Ditwah: India Dispatches Urgent Relief As PM Modi Assures Sri Lanka Of Solidarity

The devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah on Sri Lanka has prompted condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed sorrow for the lives lost and the extensive damage caused. Modi offered prayers for the affected families' safety and recovery.

The cyclone, which struck Sri Lanka on Friday, resulted in the deaths of 46 people, while 23 remain missing. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that the storm could intensify over the next 12 hours, potentially worsening the situation across the island.

India Extends Support

In a message to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Modi conveyed, "My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort, and swift recovery of all affected families. In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves. Guided by India's Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need."

Heavy rainfall exceeding 300 mm (11.8 inches) over the last day led to landslides, particularly affecting the eastern and central parts of Sri Lanka. As a precaution, schools have closed, train services halted, and the Colombo Stock Exchange ended trading early due to persistent rain.

Rescue Efforts and Displacement

Emergency operations are ongoing in severely impacted areas, with many roads obstructed by landslides. "We are continuing rescue operations in the worst-hit areas, but some villages are difficult to reach because roads are blocked by landslides…we are doing our best to get everyone to safety," Brigadier S. Dharmawickrema, Emergency Operations Director at the DMC, told Reuters. Over 43,991 individuals have sought refuge in schools and other shelters as their homes became uninhabitable.

The cyclone's effects on transportation were notable, as several flights, including those from Muscat, Dubai, New Delhi, and Bangkok, were diverted from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). According to Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilake, further diversions to Trivandrum or Cochin airports in southern India may occur if conditions worsen.

As Sri Lanka grapples with Cyclone Ditwah's aftermath, India stands ready to assist its neighbour further, illustrating the enduring bond between the two countries. With ongoing rescue efforts and international support, Sri Lanka aims to navigate this challenging period and restore normalcy for its citizens.