The death toll resulting from severe floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has climbed to 132, with 176 individuals still unaccounted for, as stated by authorities on Saturday.
Approximately 78,000 individuals have been displaced and are currently residing in temporary shelters, according to the disaster management center of the South Asian nation.
There is an anticipation of a further increase in the death toll. Social media posts from Saturday displayed multiple locations impacted by overnight mudslides that have not yet been accessed by authorities.
Sri Lanka has been enduring harsh weather conditions since the past week. The situation exacerbated on Thursday due to heavy rainfall causing floods in residences, agricultural lands, and roads, leading to landslides predominantly in the central hill region known for tea cultivation.
The government has shut down schools and offices and postponed scheduled examinations.
The majority of reservoirs and rivers have surged, blocking transportation routes. Passenger trains were halted, and roads were shut down in various regions of the country following the obstruction by rocks, mud, and fallen trees on highways and railway lines.
By Friday, the overflow of water from severely impacted zones began to submerge areas surrounding the capital, Colombo, which had experienced relatively less rainfall.
Authorities predict that Cyclone Ditwah, originating in the eastern seas off Sri Lanka, is likely to head towards the southern coast of India by Sunday.
India, the neighboring country, dispatched two search-and-rescue teams, comprising 80 rescuers, and provided aid to assist the ongoing relief efforts, as confirmed by the Indian embassy in Colombo on Saturday.