Impact on Travel:

Cyclone Ditwah triggered heavy disruptions to all kinds of travel and essential services in the country. Flights were delayed, diverted or cancelled through Colombo (CMB/VCBI) and Jaffna (JAF/VCCJ) airports. Train services were cancelled across all lines at the peak of the cyclone. Railways and other public transport services were slowly resuming operations as of early December. Roads were impassable in multiple areas. Hundreds of houses and other structures were damaged. Colombo’s water supply was also at risk as flooding of the Kelani River threatened the Ambatale Water Plant.

Advice:

• Confirm the viability of overland travel routes before departure.
• Follow local alerts and evacuation information.
• Immediately evacuate vehicles to higher ground if caught in rising water.
• Remain alert for landslide warning signs, including cracks or bulges in the soil, or the faint rumbling sounds of an approaching debris flow.
• Implement enhanced personal hygiene and sanitation practices.
• Seek medical assistance if you develop symptoms of acute diarrhoea.
• To minimise the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, take measures to prevent mosquito bites and use insect repellents at all times.