High Commissioner to Sri Lanka: No reports of injuries to a Maldivian so far

The High Commissioner of Maldives to Sri Lanka Masood Imad states that the High Commission has not received any reports of injuries to a Maldivian so far amidst cyclone flooding in the neighboring country which has claimed the lives of at least 56 people.

Sri Lanka began grappling with severe weather last week, and the conditions worsened on Thursday with heavy downpours that flooded homes, fields and roads, and triggered landslides as Cyclone Ditwah swept across the country. Most reservoirs and rivers have overflowed, blocking roads. Authorities stopped passenger trains and closed roads in many parts of the country after rocks, mud and trees fell on roads and railway tracks, which were also flooded in some areas. Flights bound for Sri Lanka have also been diverted to India.

The death toll from floods and landslides has risen to 56, and at least 49 people remain missing. As the weather conditions grew worse, the government announced the closing of all government offices and schools on Friday.

According to Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology and the Disaster Management Centre, 20 out of Sri Lanka’s 25 districts are badly hit, with over 12,000 families and 43,000 people directly affected amid an island-wide “red alert” issued by authorities.

Reports indicated that the impact of the extreme weather conditions is especially severe along the east coast — in Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee — as well as in the Central Province, home to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, both popular tourist destinations, and, Matale, and Uva Province’s Badulla district.

Capital Colombo in Western Province, where a large number of Maldivians reside, has also been impacted by the severe weather conditions.

Speaking with Sun on Friday, High Commissioner Masood, citing approximately 1,800 Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka, said the High Commission has not received any report of injuries to a Maldivian or any distress call from a Maldivian seeking assistance.

“Our hotline is always online. We are prepared to provide assistance if needed,” he added.

The hotline number of the Maldivian High Commission in Sri Lanka is 09476991666.

The High Commission has urged Maldivians to take shelter in safe areas amidst the severe weather conditions.

Sri Lanka’s weather forecasting body has predicted over 200 millimeters of rain on Friday alone.

Sri Lanka is home to many Maldivians and frequented by Maldivians visiting for medical purpose and vacation. Some 13,000 Maldivian resided in the country prior to its recent economic downfall.