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Cyclone Ditwah: Sri Lanka Death Toll Hits 607, Fresh Landslide Warnings Issued

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Sri Lanka has issued fresh landslide warnings in the central hills after Cyclone Ditwah, as the death toll from last week’s disaster rose to 607.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that over two million people have been affected by the cyclone, which caused widespread flooding and deadly mudslides.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), which monitors the stability of mountain slopes, warned that continued heavy rainfall could further saturate the hills, increasing the risk of landslides.

“Since rainfall within the past 24 hours has exceeded 150 millimetres, if the rains continue, evacuate to a safe location to avoid the risk of landslides,” the NBRO said.

SEE MORE: Iwo Flood: Adeleke Orders on the Spot Assessment

While some floodwaters around the capital, Colombo, have begun to recede, fresh rains linked to the onset of the monsoon have hampered recovery efforts.

The number of missing persons was revised down from 341 to 214, with many previously unaccounted for now presumed dead.

State-run refugee camps now host around 150,000 people, down from a peak of 225,000.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the cyclone as the most severe natural disaster in the nation’s history.

He also revealed in parliament that he requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delay the release of a $347 million bailout installment to negotiate a larger payout, citing the economic strain caused by the disaster.

Authorities have advised residents of landslide-prone areas not to return home immediately, even if their houses appear unaffected.

In Gampola, volunteers are helping residents clear mud and repair water damage, with local clerics coordinating community clean-up efforts.

Sri Lanka’s military has deployed thousands of troops to assist in recovery operations. Commissioner-General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi estimated reconstruction costs at $6–$7 billion.

President Dissanayake announced compensation measures to help victims rebuild homes and livelihoods.

Despite the disaster, tourism activities are resuming. Nearly 300 stranded tourists have been rescued by helicopter, and hotels are reopening to help generate revenue critical for the country’s recovery, according to Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe.

International News

DOJ Confirms Federal Criminal Investigation After Agents Raid Ilhan Omar’s Home

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Federal agents raided the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar early Monday morning as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed.

Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Minnesota congresswoman’s residence at about 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, according to a report by Fox News.

SEE MORE: Trump Sparks Outrage With Shock Proposal to Rename New Mexico

The report said both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the DOJ are involved in the investigation.

A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating: “Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”

The spokesperson added: “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”

 

 

Details later……….

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International News

Bangkok Underwater: Nearly 4,900 Evacuated as Floods Hit Thailand Capital

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Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, forcing nearly 4,900 residents to evacuate to shelters as floodwaters swept through roads and residential areas.

The flooding has disrupted movement across parts of the Thai capital, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate submerged roads and seek alternative routes.

SEE ALSO: NAFDAC Warns Nigerians As Fake Cowbell Milk Floods Market

According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about 52,000 households have been affected by the flooding, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster and intensify emergency response efforts.

Emergency teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations as water levels rise.

Bangkok is accustomed to seasonal heavy rainfall, but intense downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.

Authorities are continuing to monitor affected locations while coordinating evacuations and other emergency measures.

For thousands of residents, the immediate priority remains securing safe shelter and protecting homes and livelihoods as authorities work to manage the situation and restore normal activities once the floodwaters recede.

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‘They Are Dying’ — Trump Explains Why He Rejected Iran’s Hormuz Proposal

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US President Donald Trump has explained his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was seeking an agreement because it was losing revenue.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran wanted to immediately reopen the strategically important waterway but argued that the proposal was not acceptable to his administration.

“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable,” Trump said.

SEE ALSO: How the Strait of Hormuz Attack Could Trigger a Fresh Global Oil Shock

According to the US president, Iran’s push to reopen the strait was driven by the economic pressure it was facing.

“What they want to do is immediately open the Hormuz Strait. Do you know why? Because they are dying,” Trump said.

“You know why they’re dying? Because they have no money coming in, because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait.”

Trump also claimed that the US had established an unprecedented naval blockade against Iran, describing it as “a wall of steel.”

“So they outsmarted themselves. We put up the greatest blockade ever in military history. It’s a wall of steel,” he said.

“And guess what? They don’t have any money now because they wanted to close the strait.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and disruption to traffic through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and countries that depend on energy imports.

Trump’s remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over the reopening of the strategic waterway and negotiations involving Iran.

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