"The Sri Lankan government deployed police and military personnel to aid rescue and search efforts as strong rain and damaging winds crossed Sri Lanka on Friday, with the death toll having risen to 69 by the evening. Officials say that the toll could rise even higher, as the country still expects more flooding from the cyclone Ditwah in the next 12 hours."
"Most deaths so far were caused by landslides triggered by more than 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rainfall in the eastern and central regions, according to officials. A family whose house was flooded after heavy rainsImage: Eranga Jayawardena/AP Photo/picture alliance Some 44,000 people were affected nationwide, with many thousands having sought shelter in schools and public shelters, according to the Disaster Management Center. Most rivers and reservoirs have overflowed because of heavy rains, with at least 3,000 homes damaged in mudslides and floods."
"Neighboring India launched relief operations to aid Sri Lanka and delivered 6.5 metric tons of food, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences earlier this morning, posting ton X that, "We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves." According to Sri Lankan officials, the current flooding levels are on track to be the worst since 2016."
Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on Sri Lanka's eastern coast, bringing strong rain and damaging winds that triggered landslides and widespread flooding. More than 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rainfall caused the majority of deaths and extensive mudslide damage in eastern and central regions. Authorities report at least 69 fatalities with the toll expected to rise as more flooding is forecast in the next 12 hours. About 44,000 people were affected and many thousands sought shelter in schools and public centers. Rivers and reservoirs overflowed, over 3,000 homes were damaged, and police, military, and international relief efforts responded. Human-caused global warming has contributed to worsening and more frequent extreme weather events.
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