As Cyclone Deaths Pass 120, Sri Lanka Is Overwhelmed by Rescue Demand

Transport and telecom disruptions cripple relief operations across the island

The island nation of Sri Lanka, home to roughly 23 million people, is grappling with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis after a powerful cyclone left a trail of devastation. The death toll has now risen above 120, and thousands more remain injured or missing.

Rescue teams are racing against time, but their efforts are severely hampered by widespread disruptions in transportation networks. Flooded roads, collapsed bridges, and landslides have rendered many key routes impassable, forcing volunteers to rely on small boats and improvised pathways to reach isolated communities.

Compounding the problem, the cyclone knocked out large sections of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. Mobile networks are down in many hard‑hit districts, making it difficult for families to contact loved ones and for authorities to coordinate relief logistics.

“We are hearing desperate pleas for help, but without reliable communication we cannot prioritize the most critical cases,” said Dr. Nimal Perera, director of the National Disaster Management Centre. “Every hour lost means more lives at risk.”

The government has declared a state of emergency and deployed the armed forces, navy, and civil defense units to assist with evacuations, medical aid, and the distribution of food and clean water. However, officials acknowledge that the scale of the disaster exceeds current capacities.

International partners have begun to respond. The United Nations, the Red Cross, and several neighboring countries have pledged financial assistance, emergency supplies, and technical support to help restore critical infrastructure and provide relief to the affected population.

As the floodwaters recede, the focus will shift to rebuilding homes, schools, and health facilities. For now, the priority remains clear: saving lives and delivering essential aid to those trapped by the storm’s aftermath.