Sri Lanka Declares State of Emergency as Cyclone Ditwah Toll Reaches 132

Government invokes emergency powers, appeals for international help

Sri Lanka has declared a state of public emergency after Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has climbed to 132, with 176 people missing. The devastation has triggered the widespread destruction of homes and massive displacement.

What Happened: Floods, Landslides, and Large-Scale Destruction

Torrential rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah have obliterated over 15,000 homes across the island.
Roughly 78,000 people have been relocated to state-run shelters as authorities struggle to provide basic relief.
Several villages and regions have become inaccessible, as roads have been blocked by landslides or floods — complicating rescue and aid efforts.
Power outages and breakdowns in water supply and communication networks have been reported in many affected areas.

Government Response: Emergency Rule & Aid Mobilization

The emergency declaration gives sweeping powers to the government for rescue, relief and rehabilitation — including mobilization of the military: army, navy and air force are aiding evacuation and relief operations.
Emergency laws allow rapid allocation of resources, mobilization of relief teams and regulation of affected zones.
Sri Lanka has issued a formal appeal for international assistance to help cope with the scale of destruction.

Human Toll and Ongoing Risks

Hundreds lost their homes overnight. Many families are now sheltering in relief camps with uncertain future.
Access to clean water and basic sanitation remains a critical problem, especially in remote or landslide-hit regions.
With landslides and floods still possible due to unstable terrain and continuing rainfall, relief teams warn that the human cost may rise further as search-and-rescue operations continue.