Cyclone Ditwah: Lakhs of people in several countries in SE Asia affected; 90 die in Sri Lanka, 100 missing; India dispatches relief materials
Several countries in Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, are facing the worst flooding in recent years first due to Cyclone Senyar and now Cyclone Ditwah.
The storm has affected lakhs of people in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.
In India's neighboring country, Sri Lanka, heavy rains and landslides have so far killed 90 people, with 100 still missing. This is being described as the worst disaster in Sri Lanka in recent years.
Meanwhile, in Sumatra, Indonesia, the storm has caused severe flooding, killing at least 90 people. More than 10 are still missing.
Southern Thailand is also experiencing major impacts. According to a government spokesperson, the death toll from the floods has reached 145.
So far, more than 98 people have lost their lives due to floods in Vietnam and more than 19,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Malaysia.
PM Modi conveys heartfelt condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. He prayed for the safety, comfort, and swift recovery of all affected families.
In a strong gesture of solidarity with India’s closest maritime neighbour, the Government of India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. India stands ready to provide additional aid and assistance as the situation evolves.
Guided by the principles of India’s Neighborhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, PM Modi reaffirmed that India will continue to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need.
Modi in a post on X said:
“My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families.
In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves.
Guided by India’s Neighborhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need.