Maldivian media outlets to hold telethon to raise funds for Sri Lanka’s Cyclone Ditwah victims

Maldivian media outlets will hold a special telethon on Sunday to raise funds for the victims of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.  

The telethon will run from 09:00 to 13:00 hours, with participation open to associations, government offices, and private companies. A number of online media platforms and TV channels will take part in the fundraising effort.  

Fund boxes will be set up in different areas of Male' and Hulhumale', while contributions can also be made via online transfers.  

Cyclone Ditwah has already caused widespread devastation in Sri Lanka. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that the death toll has risen to more than 153, with over 100 people still missing following landslides and floods triggered by torrential rains. More than 43,000 people have been displaced and moved to state-run welfare centres, while 3,000 homes have been damaged.  

The cyclone, which formed west of the Bay of Bengal, exited Sri Lanka on Saturday and is now moving towards the southern coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible storm surges as the system approaches landfall early Sunday.  

Authorities in India have cancelled dozens of flights, closed schools in vulnerable districts, and deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Relief operations are also underway in Sri Lanka, supported by international assistance, including aid from India under Operation Sagar Bandhu.  

Sri Lanka’s government has declared a state of emergency to expedite disaster response, with military helicopters and boats mobilized for rescue operations. Officials warn that flood levels could worsen in the coming days, particularly along the Kelani River basin near Colombo.