The Sri Lanka Navy has completed key diving and technical operations to clear major bridge blockages caused by Cyclone Ditwah while continuing extensive humanitarian relief efforts across the country.
Following severe flooding from the cyclone, a surge in the Mahaweli River swept large debris, including logs and tree branches, into several bridges, disrupting water flow and threatening infrastructure, the Navy said.
In response, a specialized Navy diving team was deployed on December 4 to the Yaka Palama (Devil’s Bridge) in Peradeniya, where significant blockages had formed. Working in coordination with the Sri Lanka Railways Department, Navy personnel cleared the debris by December 17, restoring proper drainage and enabling future repair work to proceed without delay.
A similar operation was carried out at the Kalugamuwa Bridge in Nillamba, where debris had threatened the main water pipeline to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board’s treatment plant in Gatambe. Navy divers removed the obstructions by December 14, safeguarding the water supply infrastructure.
The Navy’s broader Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, which began on November 22, are ongoing. So far, 1,378 individuals have been rescued from immediate danger, and 18,301 people have been relocated to safer areas.
In addition to rescue and relocation, the Navy has also focused on restoring essential services.
As of December 18, naval teams have cleaned and handed over 1,025 drinking water wells, 104 public spaces, and 83 houses in cyclone-affected regions. These efforts continue as part of the Navy’s ongoing response to the disaster. (Newswire)