• Death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has risen to 355, with 366 individuals reported missing.
• Over 1.12 million people affected, many displaced and in need of urgent assistance.
• Countries worldwide, including India and Australia, are pledging aid and resources for recovery efforts.

Sri Lanka is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah, with the death toll climbing to 355 and an additional 366 people missing. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities endeavor to clear roads and deliver aid to over half a million individuals affected by the severe weather that struck the island last week, according to Reuters.

The disaster has caused widespread destruction, including severe flooding and landslides, particularly in the central region near Colombo. Reports indicate that Cyclone Ditwah has impacted 1.12 million people, with many seeking shelter in relief centers established for displaced families. As of the latest updates, there are 1,275 relief centers providing temporary shelter for those affected, according to aa and Le Monde.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency on November 30 as the situation rapidly deteriorated. Countries like India, Australia, and China are stepping in to assist with various forms of aid, including both monetary and logistical support for rescue operations, according to aa and Reuters.

The extreme weather has left significant infrastructure damage, with over 25,000 homes destroyed and a lack of essential services reported, including power and water supply disruptions. Efforts to restore these services are underway, but the extent of the damage remains severe, prompting further calls for international aid and assistance for recovery efforts, according to Channel News Asia and aa.