Tokayev expressed condolences to the President of Sri Lanka

Tengrinews.kz – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a telegram of condolences to the President of Sri Lanka, according to Akorda.

The President of Kazakhstan expressed his condolences to Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the people of Sri Lanka over the numerous human casualties caused by the devastating flooding in the country.

As a reminder, powerful floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah have been affecting Sri Lanka for about two weeks. The death toll has exceeded two hundred people, and another 218 have been reported missing, officials said earlier.

Floodwaters broke through a dam, and rescue operations have been ongoing for four days. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance.

Nearly one million people have been affected by the heavy rains and floods that struck much of the South Asian island nation.

More than 15,000 homes have been destroyed across the country, and around 44,000 people have been forced to take shelter in temporary state-run facilities.

Among the missing are five Navy servicemen who were last seen attempting to block overflowing water at a naval substation in the Chalai lagoon in the northeast of the country.

Photo: dmc.gov.lk

Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel are taking part in rescue operations alongside civilian workers and volunteers.

According to officials, about one-third of the country remains without electricity and water due to collapsed power lines and flooded water treatment facilities. Internet connectivity has also been disrupted.

Photo: dmc.gov.lk

After the dam collapse, floodwaters submerged much of the island’s capital. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that new heavy rains are expected across the country in the coming days.

India was the first to respond to the president’s request for help. Two helicopters with crews were dispatched from New Delhi to Sri Lanka for rescue operations. Japan said it would send a rapid assessment team and promised further assistance.

The cyclone has become the deadliest natural disaster in Sri Lanka since 2017, when more than 200 people were killed in floods and landslides, and hundreds of thousands were forced to leave their homes.