Church of Ceylon bishops describe the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah

[Anglican Communion News Service] The bishops of the two dioceses in the Anglican Church of Ceylon, which has churches across Sri Lanka, have shared an update on how Cyclone Ditwah has impacted the region since striking on Nov. 28. “Cyclone” is the name for hurricanes that form in the South Pacific and Indian oceans.

Considered to be one of the worst natural disasters experienced in the region in decades, the storm created widespread flooding, landslides and mudflows that destroyed hundreds of lives as well as infrastructure and agricultural land.

A news release from Colombo Bishop Dushantha Rodrigo and Kurunagala Bishop Nishanha Fernando said that all 25 districts and over 1.4 million people are currently affected, with more than 480 reported dead so far and over 350 missing after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across the island. Initial estimates over 275,000 children are among the 1.4 million affected, although the number could be much higher because of disrupted communication and blocked access routes.

The severe damage to houses and vital infrastructure, along with the disruption of essential services, has caused widespread displacement and the risk of the outbreak of disease, malnutrition and unsafe living conditions and emotional stress among the people. Disruption to electricity and communication and transport networks has hindered contact with those affected.

The two bishops also said, “In history, we have not witnessed a disaster of this magnitude that has affected an entire country. The Ditwah Cyclone has disrupted the lives of Sri Lankans across the nation. As a country, our people have looked forward with renewed hope in recent months, working hard to bring stability to all aspects of society and to elevate the living conditions of all. Yet this catastrophe has slowed that progress. Nevertheless, we remain confident that, as a nation, we can stand firmly together.”

The Church of Ceylon, through its Boards of Social Responsibility, began working immediately after the cyclone. Assessments are being made through the clergy in the districts to ascertain needed intervention and immediate relief has been sent to the districts wherever there has been access. As the waters recede, the process of recovery and rebuilding will begin.

The bishops said that they “are committed to collaborating with all to uplift the lives of our beloved people. We are journeying through this challenge together with the government and the rest of society, united in our resolve to rebuild, uplift and restore hope and confidence to the lives of all people, regardless of their background or identity. We trust that our Creator God is guiding us toward a better future.

“During the season of Advent, our prayer, along with the people of the church, is ‘Maranatha’ — Lord help us to see a right. Give us a new vision to understand what you are showing us, so that we may respond with love and compassion in this situation of hopelessness.”