Sri Lanka cyclone triggers travel warning 

Britons have been urged to check advice before travelling to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah triggered a state of emergency across the country.

 

The Foreign Office updated its travel advice in the wake of the cyclone hitting on Friday, causing flooding and landslides throughout much of Sri Lanka, resulting in the loss of life. 

 

“As a result, travel in many areas has been disrupted. Check before travelling, including with your airline and/or tour operator, to understand how this might affect your travels,” the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said.

 

More than 330 people are reported to have been killed, more than 200 are missing and 20,000 homes have been destroyed. 

 

The alert came as Sri Lanka Tourism, together with the Sri Lanka Air Force, rescued international tourists stranded in the Nuwara Eliya area due to the severe weather conditions.

 

The rescued group included two from the UK, two German nationals, four South Africans, 11 Indians, and two Slovenians.

 

They were airlifted by helicopters to Colombo Port City on Sunday.

 

Sri Lanka Tourism said: “This rescue stands as a clear demonstration of Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding and protecting its visitors, as promised. 

“It also reflects the strength of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, where the safety, care, and wellbeing of guests remain our highest priority.”

 

Sri Lanka Tourism has a 24-hour hotline available on 1912.