Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst natural disasters in decades after Cyclone Ditwah tore through the island, leaving at least 334 people dead and nearly 400 missing.
The highest number of fatalities were reported in Kandy, with widespread destruction across central and southern districts. A state of emergency has been declared, with one-third of the country without water and electricity.  
Authorities estimate that over 230,000 people have been displaced, with thousands of homes destroyed or severely damaged. Relief efforts are underway, supported by international aid and donations from neighboring Maldives, where government agencies, businesses, and citizens have raised over MVR 11 million through a national telethon.  
The disaster is being compared to the June 2003 floods, which killed 254 people and displaced hundreds of thousands, underscoring the scale of Ditwah’s impact.  
India on high alert
Meanwhile, India’s Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Ditwah is very likely to move northwards, parallel to the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges are expected across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, with advisories issued for fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea.  
According to live updates from Chennai, low-lying areas have already reported flooding, and authorities are preparing evacuation centers in vulnerable districts. The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall in parts of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh, with wind speeds reaching 80 - 90 km/h.  
Regional response
Sri Lanka: Emergency services are struggling to restore power and water supplies. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and rescue teams continue to search for missing persons.  
India: Disaster management teams have been deployed along the eastern coast, with schools closed and transport services disrupted in Chennai and surrounding areas.  
Maldives: Businesses such as Villa Group and Sun Siyam Group have pledged significant donations, while the government has committed USD 50,000 and 25,000 cases of canned tuna to Sri Lanka’s relief efforts.