Sri Lanka floods death toll hits 479 as cyclone aftermath deepens crisis

The death toll from catastrophic flooding in Sri Lanka has climbed to 479 as of Wednesday, with 350 people still unaccounted for, authorities confirmed.

The disaster, triggered by Cyclone Ditawara, has devastated communities across the island nation, affecting more than 450,000 families. According to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC), over 1.5 million people in 25 districts have been impacted, with more than 110,000 seeking refuge in government-run relief centres.

Kandy remains the hardest-hit district, reporting 118 fatalities and 171 missing persons. 

Other severely affected areas include Nuwara Eliya (89 deaths), Badulla (83), Kurunegala (53), Kegalle (29), Puttalam (29), Matale (28), Gampaha (11), and Anuradhapura (7).

Critical infrastructure has suffered widespread damage, with disrupted electricity and water supply systems leaving nearly a third of the country without power or access to safe drinking water. 

The rising waters of the Kelani River have forced authorities to issue urgent evacuation orders for low-lying communities.

The DMC warned that ongoing flooding and landslides continue to hamper rescue and relief efforts, posing significant risks to both survivors and emergency responders. 

Humanitarian aid operations are underway, but access remains challenging in remote and mountainous regions.

Source: Adaderana/The Guardian