Sri Lanka Declares Emergency Amid Cyclone Ditwah Devastation

Sri Lanka has declared a nationwide state of emergency after Cyclone Ditwah caused extensive loss of life, large-scale displacement, and severe infrastructural damage. The government aims to accelerate relief coordination, rescue deployment, and medical support as the island continues to battle flooding, high winds, and communication breakdowns.

Emergency Measures Announced Nationwide

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invoked emergency regulations to streamline the mobilisation of troops, police, health personnel, and civil defence units. The move follows appeals from opposition parties and medical associations calling for urgent state intervention. The regulations are designed to enable faster decision-making and coordinated disaster management across affected districts.

India Intensifies Assistance Under Operation Sagar Bandhu

India has scaled up relief support, supplying nearly 27 tonnes of essential materials by air and sea. Two military transport aircraft delivered 21 tonnes of supplies on Saturday, following an earlier consignment of six tonnes. India has also deployed two urban search and rescue teams comprising 80 NDRF personnel, while Chetak helicopters from INS “Vikrant” joined aerial rescue operations.

Support for Stranded Travellers and Disrupted Services

Severe weather has disrupted flight operations, leaving many passengers stranded in Colombo. The Indian High Commission has opened an emergency helpline at Bandaranaike International Airport to assist Indian nationals. Essential items, including food and water, are being distributed as part of emergency consular support.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Cyclone Ditwah caused over 120 confirmed deaths and left more than 130 missing.
• India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu delivered around 27 tonnes of relief material.
• Two NDRF teams and Chetak helicopters were deployed for rescue assistance.
• Sri Lanka declared a nationwide emergency to fast-track relief and troop deployment.

Continuing Threat and Meteorological Outlook

Cyclone Ditwah exited Sri Lanka on Saturday, heading towards the southern coast of India. Meteorologists warn that indirect impacts such as heavy rainfall and strong winds will persist. Communication failures in severely affected regions are complicating damage assessment, and authorities expect casualty figures to rise as verification improves.