Cyclone Ditwah kills 69 in Sri Lanka, India launches Operation Sagar Bandhu

The death toll from Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has climbed to 69, with at least 34 people still missing as the island nation continues to battle severe weather conditions.

According to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre, more than 2.19 lakh people from over 63,000 families have been affected since heavy rains began on November 16. Several houses have been destroyed, while hundreds have suffered partial damage.

Amid the crisis, India has launched humanitarian assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Indian naval ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri have delivered relief materials to Sri Lankan authorities in Colombo. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed the operation, saying further assistance is underway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka. He said India’s support reflects its Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, adding that New Delhi stands ready to extend more help as required.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Meteorological Department has warned of very heavy rainfall exceeding 200 millimetres in several provinces, raising concerns of further flooding and landslides.

The India Meteorological Department said Cyclonic Storm Ditwah is currently over coastal Sri Lanka and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal and continues to move north-northwestwards. The system is expected to emerge over the Bay and approach north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early November 30.

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In response to the evolving situation, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared key sectors such as power, fuel, healthcare, water supply, and public transport as essential services, while a week-long health emergency has also been announced.