Cyclone Ditwah Leaves 1,300 Dead, Wreaks Havoc in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Tamil Nadu
Image Source: Internet
Cyclone Ditwah, a powerful storm that formed southeast of Sri Lanka last week, has caused catastrophic damage and claimed over 1,300 lives in Southeast Asia. The cyclone made landfall along Sri Lanka's coastline, lingering for an extended period before moving parallel to the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh-Puducherry coast. In Sri Lanka, the death toll stands at 465, with 366 people still unaccounted for. The government has estimated the economic loss to be between $6 billion and $7 billion, roughly 3-5% of the country's GDP. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appealed for international assistance to finance the recovery efforts, citing the need for $7 billion to rebuild homes, roads, and industries. In Indonesia, the death toll from floods and landslides triggered by the cyclone has reached 755, with 650 people missing. The weather system also brought heavy rainfall to Thailand, killing at least 176 people, and left two people dead in Malaysia. In Tamil Nadu, coastal areas and interior regions experienced torrential rainfall as remnants of Cyclone Ditwah weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area. The Indian government has dispatched relief materials and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, with the Indian Air Force deploying two transport aircraft carrying paramilitary personnel and relief material. As the situation continues to unfold, rescue efforts and aid delivery remain a top priority. The international community is rallying to support Sri Lanka and Indonesia in their time of need, with many countries offering assistance and aid.
