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Sri Lanka Flood Disaster Worsens: Death Toll Hits 465 as International Relief Ramps Up

Colombo moves to fund recovery using a World Bank rapid damage estimate after Cyclone Ditwah wrecked homes and roads.

Overview

  • Authorities report at least 465 dead and 366 missing, with more than 1.5 million people affected and over 200,000 in state-run shelters.
  • A state of emergency remains in effect as rescue operations continue, including Indian Navy shipments, IAF helicopter air-drops, and NDRF deployments under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
  • Pakistan has sent 200 tonnes of relief by sea and an urban search-and-rescue team by air, while Islamabad alleges Indian overflight delays that New Delhi says were cleared within four hours.
  • The government has announced a special recovery fund and commissioned a World Bank GRADE assessment, with officials citing reconstruction needs of roughly $6–7 billion and initial cash support for cleanup and housing losses.
  • Planet Labs imagery shows extensive inundation along the Kelani River around Colombo, with receding waters in some areas but persistent access challenges and landslide risks in central districts.