69 deaths have been reported, while 34 individuals remain missing, following the adverse weather caused by cyclone ‘Ditwah’ the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

A total of 219,282 individuals from 61,175 families have been affected by the disaster situation caused by the cyclone.

266 safety shelters have been established across the country, accommodating 18,443 people from 5,890 families.

High-risk flood alerts have been issued for several major rivers, including the Kelani, Kalu rivers, Yan Oya, Mahaweli river, Deduru Oya, Maha Oya, Kala Oya, Attangalu Oya, Menik river, and Malwathu Oya.

Residents living downstream of these waterways have been advised to evacuate to safe areas immediately.

Meanwhile the Ambatale Reservoir has reached spill level, prompting authorities to warn Kolonnawa area residents also to evacuate due to the increased flood threat from both Ambatale and Kelani waterways.

The Department of Meteorology reports that many parts of the island are likely to receive over 200 mm of rainfall, which could further elevate flood risks in river basins including the Deduru Oya, Mahaweli river, Maha Oya, Mee Oya, Kalu, and Kelani rivers. (Newswire)