Cyclone Ditwah: 130 dead and chaos in Sri Lanka – rescue operations underway!

Cyclone Ditwah: 130 dead and chaos in Sri Lanka – rescue operations underway!

Cyclone Ditwah has plunged Sri Lanka into disaster in recent days. According to Radiolippe, at least 130 people have now died, while over 170 people are missing. The frightening figures were released by a disaster management center on Saturday and illustrate the extent of the destruction left by the storm.

As a result of the heavy rains triggered by the cyclone, severe flooding and landslides occurred, particularly in Kandy and Badulla districts. The damage is extensive: numerous roads and train routes became impassable, and power and telecommunications lines also suffered extensive damage. The everyday lives of people in the affected regions are severely affected.

Relief efforts and evacuations

The situation is dramatic. Around 44,000 people had to be taken to emergency accommodation because their houses were no longer habitable. In the wake of the disaster, an evacuation was ordered from the banks of the Kelani River, which overflowed its banks. The army has taken part in the relief operations and is providing support with boats and helicopters to help those affected, according to the ADAC.

However, as the storm makes its way to India, Sri Lanka remains in a critical condition. Many flights have been diverted to India and Colombo airport is affected by several flight cancellations. The Foreign Office has also warned travelers to find out as much as possible about the current situation and to stay away from rivers and streams.

The effects of extreme weather events

Climate researchers point out that such extreme weather events have increased in recent years. Data from Statista shows that natural disasters such as cyclones and storms not only claim human lives, but also cause significant economic damage. These developments are alarming and show that weather is not only a local but also a global challenge.

In Sri Lanka, many people's everyday lives are significantly disrupted by the forces of nature. Schools are closed and a holiday has been declared for the authorities in order to be able to better help in this emergency situation. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stressed that essential tourist services should be maintained to minimize damage to the already struggling tourism industry.

All of these events clearly show how vulnerable regions are to natural disasters and make it clear that many people are in great need. Cyclone Ditwah has once again shown clearly that the effects of climate change do not remain a distant prospect, but are right on our doorstep.