COLOMBO, Dec 4: The death toll from the devastating cyclone that struck Sri Lanka has risen to 479, with 350 people still reported missing as rescue and relief operations continue across affected regions. Authorities said the scale of destruction has overwhelmed local resources, with thousands displaced and infrastructure severely damaged.
Officials confirmed that coastal districts bore the brunt of the cyclone, with homes, schools, and public facilities destroyed or rendered unusable. Rescue teams, supported by the military and volunteers, are working round the clock to locate missing persons and provide emergency assistance to survivors. Relief camps have been set up to shelter displaced families, though shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies remain a pressing concern.
The Meteorological Department has warned of further adverse weather conditions in the coming days, raising fears of additional flooding and landslides. Communities already reeling from the cyclone’s impact have been advised to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders where necessary.
International aid agencies have begun mobilising support, with neighbouring countries pledging assistance in the form of relief materials and medical teams. Humanitarian organisations have stressed the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent a secondary crisis caused by disease outbreaks and lack of essential supplies.
Local leaders have called for swift rehabilitation measures, noting that the cyclone has not only claimed lives but also crippled livelihoods, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. The government has assured that compensation and rebuilding programmes will be prioritised once immediate relief operations stabilise.
The tragedy has underscored Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, with experts urging stronger disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures to mitigate future risks. As the island braces for more adverse conditions, the focus remains on saving lives and restoring hope to communities devastated by the cyclone.
