Sri Lanka Declares 22 Districts Disaster Zones as Cyclone 'Ditwa' Wreaks Havoc
Worst natural disaster in two decades leaves 88% of the country affected.
The Sri Lankan government has officially declared 22 out of the country's 25 administrative districts as "National Disaster Areas" today. This drastic measure comes in the wake of Cyclone 'Ditwa', which struck the island nation in the last week of November, triggering catastrophic flooding and landslides across 8 of the country's 9 provinces.
According to data published in the government gazette, nearly 88 percent of the country's landmass has been impacted by the disaster. The scale of devastation has overwhelmed local authorities, prompting an urgent call for international assistance.
A Rare Equatorial Storm
Experts have termed this the worst natural disaster to hit Sri Lanka in two decades. Meteorology officials note that Cyclone Ditwa was a rare "Equatorial Cyclone." Such storms are infrequent near the equator, meaning the country's infrastructure was ill-prepared for a direct impact of this magnitude.
The physical toll is immense. Over 25,000 homes have been completely destroyed. Critical infrastructure, including major highways, bridges, the national power grid, and telecommunication systems, has suffered severe damage, isolating remote communities.
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Economic Blow & Future Challenges
For an island nation just beginning to recover from a crippling economic crisis, Cyclone Ditwa represents a massive setback.
"Rehabilitation and reconstruction could take years," a government spokesperson admitted. However, the immediate priority is survival. With winter approaching, the government faces the logistical nightmare of providing safe shelter, food, and medical care to the 147,000 people currently living in temporary relief camps.
In Pictures: Ground Zero
AERIAL SURVEY
Entire townships submerged under muddy floodwaters.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Construction projects and bridges washed away by strong currents.
RESCUE OPS
Emergency responders navigating narrow alleys to evacuate trapped residents.
AIR FORCE
Sri Lankan Air Force conducting evacuations of women and children.
URBAN IMPACT
Commercial areas inundated, bringing economic activity to a standstill.
