Colombo. Sri Lanka is currently going through a major humanitarian crisis. Cyclone Ditva caused such devastation in the country that no one had even imagined. Due to the rain, low-lying areas were submerged and landslides started at many places. The saddest thing is that more than 123 people have lost their lives, while 130 people are still reported missing. About 3.7 lakh people are affected and 14,000 people are living in 195 relief camps.
According to media reports, Matale received 540 mm of rain in just 24 hours. This rainfall is many times more than the normal limit. In the last 10 days, about 1000 mm of rain devastated entire areas. Scientists say that even 150 mm of rain can cause landslides, and here it has rained more than 500 mm. The biggest concern is in Colombo and Gampaha, where Kelani and Attangalu rivers have reached above the danger mark. People have been asked to go to a safe place and keep important documents safely. The storm has also badly damaged Sri Lanka’s infrastructure. Three major bridges – Moragahakanda Main Bridge, Elahera Bridge and Kumara Ella Bridge were completely washed away. Due to broken power lines, electricity is not being supplied to 25–30 percent of the country. Trains are canceled and many exams have been postponed.
The Sri Lankan President invoked emergency law and declared electricity, fuel, hospitals and water as “essential services”. Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium has been made a relief centre, where 3,000 people can be accommodated.
India extended a helping hand
India immediately extended a helping hand and started Operation Sagar Bandhu. Indian Navy ships Vikrant and Udayagiri reached Sri Lanka with relief material. These include 4.5 tonnes of dry ration, 2 tonnes of fresh food items and other essential items. Experts have called this an unprecedented situation and said that the coming two days may be more difficult. The storm is still near Trincomalee and heavy rains are continuing.