The deep depression off Sri Lanka’s eastern coast has intensified into Cyclonic Storm Ditwa, located about 120 km southeast of Batticaloa and moving north-northwest. Authorities expect further strengthening, bringing rainfall above 200 mm in several districts, winds up to 70 km/h and isolated gusts of 80 km/h. School examinations have been suspended nationwide, with warnings that severe weather will persist in the coming days.

 

The island had been under considerable impact due to the storm over the last few days with the eastern coast and the central regions being impacted the most.

 

Sri Lankan authorities say at least 40 people have been killed and 10 injured as floods and landslides continue to batter the island, with 21 others still missing. Most fatalities were reported in the central district of Badulla, where 21 residents were buried when slopes collapsed onto homes overnight. Four more deaths were recorded in neighbouring Nuwara Eliya, while others occurred across multiple districts.

 

More than 1,800 families have been moved to temporary shelters, and over 425 homes have been damaged. The Disaster Management Centre warns that major rivers are rising rapidly and urged people in low-lying areas to move to higher ground.

 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed MPs from both Government and Opposition to immediately return to their districts to coordinate relief, ensure delivery of health and welfare services, and assess compensation needs. Further, the Parliament has suspended its budget debate to facilitate the response.