Ditwah cyclone ravages Lanka

SRI Lanka’s weather emergency continued to worsen yesterday, with the Disaster Management Centre reporting that the death toll has risen to 47 while nearly 6,000 people have been affected across multiple districts over two days. Nearly 21 individuals remain missing as floods, landslides and collapsing structures intensify across the country.

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President orders Rs. 1 m compensation per victim

DMC warns landslide-prone communities to remain on high alert; NBRO issues red alerts for several districts

Sluice gates opened as reservoir levels rise; downstream residents told to prepare for sudden flooding and possible evacuation

State sector closed today, except essential services

Cyclone Ditwah intensifies over Bay of Bengal; Batticaloa records over 300 mm of rain and Kandy 180 mm, with more than 200 mm expected in several districts

Colombo-Kandy Road, Kandy-Nuwara Eliya route and multiple upcountry roads remain closed due to slope failures

Landslides halt Matale line and several hill-country train services; night mail trains to Badulla cancelled

Bus trapped in Kumbukkana floodwaters evacuated; RDA reports severe damage to 75 roads and suspends tolls on expressways

Flights unable to land at BIA to be diverted to Trivandrum or Cochin during adverse weather

Major flood risk issued for Mahaweli River lowlands; minor flood advisory for Kelani River valley in Ruwanwella.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday directed the President's Fund to release Rs 1 million as compensation for each disaster fatality. Officials have been instructed to ensure that payments are made to families without delay. The President has also asked Members of Parliament to visit their constituencies and support local relief efforts as conditions deteriorate.