Update: Tropical Depression Changes Course - Government Prepares for National Disaster

 The deep depression that was located southeast of the island has now intensified into Cyclone "Ditwah" and is currently centered in the sea area near Pottuvil, moving north-northwest, the Department of Meteorology announced.

Due to the influence of this weather system, very heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm is expected in some areas of the Northern, North Central, Central, and North Western provinces, as well as the Trincomalee district. Heavy rains and strong winds up to 60-70 kmph can also be expected in other areas, including Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces. The Disaster Management Centre confirms that 30 deaths have been reported across 5 districts due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, with 21 individuals missing and 10 injured.

The Department of Irrigation has warned that minor flood conditions could occur in low-lying areas of several Divisional Secretariat divisions, including Norwood, Ruwanwella, Avissawella, Kaduwela, and Colombo, due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Kelani River basin. Additionally, due to rising water levels in the Mahaweli River, there is a risk of severe flooding in the Yatinuwara and Gangawata Korale areas, and residents in these areas should remain highly vigilant. The Department of Irrigation also states that due to the opening of the spillgates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir in the Puttalam district, areas around Chilaw town are at risk of inundation. With over 65,000 cubic feet of water being released per second, residents in low-lying areas are urged to evacuate to safe locations as soon as possible.

Due to heavy rainfall and landslides, the Colombo - Kandy main road is completely blocked at Lower Kadugannawa, and the Hemmathagama - Gampola road is also fully obstructed. Drivers should use alternative routes. The National Building Research Organisation has advised the public to be extremely vigilant, especially at night, if there are areas prone to landslides and earth embankments near their homes.

The Road Development Authority has announced that tolls will not be charged for vehicles, excluding trishaws and motorcycles, traveling on all expressways, including the Southern and Central Expressways, until the adverse weather conditions subside.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to provide a compensation of 10 lakh rupees (1 million LKR) for those who died due to this disaster and to provide necessary relief to the affected people. Power outages have been reported in areas such as Mahiyanganaya, Ampara, and Vavunathivu. The Government Medical Officers' Association has introduced a special 24-hour hotline, 077-4506602, for health relief. The public is urged to inform the Disaster Management Centre about emergency situations by calling 117 or 077-3957900 and to be cautious of false information spreading on social media.

The fishing community has been advised to refrain from fishing and naval activities until further notice, as sea waves in coastal areas could rise by approximately 3-4 meters and strong winds are prevalent. District Secretaries and military divisions are coordinating efforts to provide relief to the people affected by the disaster, and Air Force helicopters have been prepared for emergency rescue operations in the Puttalam district.