Rescue teams in Sri Lanka are racing against time this week to reach over 500,000 people impacted by Cyclone Ditwah, which unleashed catastrophic floods and landslides after making landfall last Friday. Official reports confirm 355 fatalities and 366 missing persons as of Monday.
The storm – Sri Lanka's worst natural disaster in 10 years – destroyed critical infrastructure in central regions, leaving communities stranded without food or clean water. 🌧️💔
In swift response, the Red Cross Society of China has delivered $100,000 in emergency funds to support local relief efforts, with additional government assistance en route. Chinese businesses and community groups in Sri Lanka have also raised 10 million LKR ($32,500) through grassroots campaigns. 💸
'This tragedy demands global solidarity,' stated Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a national address Sunday night, calling for international support in reconstruction efforts.
As climate experts warn of increasing extreme weather events, this crisis highlights the growing importance of cross-border disaster cooperation. 🤝🌏
