Sri Lanka faces ‘historic’ crisis as floods and landslides worsen, says disaster management chief

Sampath Kotuwegoda, Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre chief, told Al Jazeera the country is facing one of its worst weather-related disasters in decades after Cyclone Dittwa triggered severe floods, landslides, and infrastructure collapse across all 25 districts.
He confirmed at least 355 deaths, a similar number missing, and more than 1.1 million people displaced.
Rescue capacity is insufficient, and Sri Lanka urgently needs additional SAR and emergency teams.
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Japan have already deployed assistance, with more countries in discussion.
He warned that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events regionally.
Immediate priorities are rescue operations followed by resettlement.
Rebuilding the nation will be a massive task requiring extensive international support.

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