Colombo: The death toll in Sri Lanka has risen to 123 following severe rains and flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwa.
The country’s Disaster Management Centre confirmed the fatalities, adding that 130 people are still missing as a result of the storm.
According to Reuters, officials said most deaths occurred due to landslides. Heavy rainfall—up to 300 mm in the northern and eastern regions—caused widespread landslides.
The Disaster Management Centre reported that more than 44,000 people have been affected nationwide. Many have been relocated to schools and public facilities for safety.
Sri Lanka’s Irrigation Department warned that further flooding is expected in the already inundated eastern and southern regions, while the capital Colombo also faces a risk of flooding.
Authorities stated that several people stranded on rooftops were rescued by helicopters as floodwaters rose.