Sri Lanka declares emergency as floods wreak havoc across Colombo

"Devastating floods have swept through parts of capital Colombo as Sri Lanka reels from the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with the death toll reaching 193 and 228 people still missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The cyclone's weeklong heavy rains triggered widespread flooding and mudslides across the island, with the full extent of destruction in the central region only now becoming apparent as relief workers clear blocked roads."

"As floodwaters receded in Manampitiya, 250km (155 miles) northeast of Colombo, the scale of destruction became visible. Manampitiya is a flood-prone town, but I have never seen such a volume of water, said 72-year-old resident S Sivanandan, who described extensive damage to businesses and property. The disaster has created urgent medical needs, with blood supplies critically low. Lakshman Edirisinghe, the blood bank chief, reported receiving only 236 units on Saturday against a daily requirement of 1,500."

"Although the cyclone has left us, heavy rains upstream are now flooding low-lying areas along the banks of the Kelani River, a DMC official said, as northern parts of the capital faced rising floodwaters. In Wennawatte, a Colombo suburb, 46-year-old Selvi fled her flooded home carrying what possessions she could salvage. My house is completely flooded. I do not know where to go, but I hope there is some safe shelter where I can take my family, she told the AFP news agency."

Heavy rains from Cyclone Ditwah caused catastrophic flooding and mudslides across Sri Lanka, concentrated in Colombo and central regions. Authorities reported 193 dead, 228 missing, over 25,000 homes destroyed and 147,000 people displaced, with relief workers clearing blocked roads to assess damage. Floodwaters along the Kelani River rose as upstream rains continued, inundating northern suburbs of the capital and displacing residents. Manampitiya experienced unprecedented water volumes and widespread property and business damage. Medical needs are acute, with blood banks receiving only 236 units against a 1,500-unit daily need. Officials warned of ongoing landslide risks; a state of emergency was declared and international aid requested.

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