The Cyclonic Storm Ditwah has surged to the southern coast — now hovering roughly 50 km south of Trincomalee, and racing north-northwest across the island
Authorities have declared a nationwide Red Alert — with torrential downpours, thunder-storms, and hurricane-force winds expected to batter nearly every province in the coming hours.
Danger zones: Northern, North-Central, Central, North-Western, Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces may see over 200 mm of rain, while coastal districts — including Trincomalee, Badulla, Galle and Matara — could record 150 mm+. Many other regions face heavy rainfall above 75 mm.
Winds are set to rage at 60–70 km/h, with gusts reaching 80–90 km/h, and possibly even 100 km/h near the core, paired with dangerous storm surges and rough seas — a dire warning for fishing and coastal communities.
The public is urged to stay alert, follow orders from local authorities, avoid coastal and flood-prone zones, and brace for dark skies and rising danger — the worst may be yet to come.
