The Disaster Management Center (DMC) reports that 193 people have died and 228 are still missing in parts of the capital Colombo as a result of Cyclone Ditwah’s aftermath.
The island’s extensive flooding and mudslides were brought on by the cyclone’s weeklong, heavy rains, with relief workers only now revealing the extent of the island’s total destruction as they clear blocked roads.
Heavy rains upstream are now drenching low-lying areas along the Kelani River, according to a DMC official, as the capital’s northern regions are now facing rising floodwaters.
Selvi, 46, escaped her flooded home in Wennawatte, a suburb of Colombo, with what items she could salvage. My home has been completely submerged. She told the AFP news agency, “I don’t know where to go, but I hope there is a safe place where my family can stay.”
The extent of the destruction was apparent as the floodwaters receded in Manampitiya, which was 250 kilometers (155 miles) northeast of Colombo.
S Sivanandan, a 72-year-old resident, described extensive damage to businesses and property, noting that Manampitiya is a flood-prone town.
Due to the disaster, blood supplies are insufficient for the situation. The blood bank’s chief, Lakshman Edirisinghe, reported receiving only 236 units on Saturday compared to the 1,500 needed each day. We were unable to carry out our mobile blood collection campaigns because of floods and heavy rains, he said, urging donors to visit blood banks.
Officials warn of the possibility of landslides because mountain slopes are still saturated with rainwater.
On Saturday, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, president, declared a state of emergency and called for international assistance. Pakistan and Japan have also offered their support, while India immediately provided relief goods and rescue helicopters.
More than 25 000 homes have been destroyed as a result of the cyclone, which has displaced 147, 000 people and oblivious 968, 000 people. In the massive relief effort, military personnel are assisting civilian responders.
After his home was burglarized while he was out fighting, British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker has offered to provide information.
Whittaker completed the stunning first-round stoppage of German President Benjamin Gavazi in Birmingham on Saturday night, but he returned to his home in Wednesbury, West Midlands, to discover it had been ransacked.
What will they do with my IBF belt, exactly? The 28-year-old referenced the IBF International light-heavyweight title belt he won in June 2024 in a video posted on his Instagram account.
“Sport’s highs and lows. Remain there, the house has been burglarized. However, I received a significant, significant reward at Wednesbury. Tell me about these people if you find them.
Whittaker reported that his kitchen’s window had been smashed, with the blinds extending down.
We are looking into a home that was broken into on Sunday at around midnight in Wednesbury, West Midlands Police announced.
Anyone who has information is asked to call 101 and mention crime reference 20/45973/25. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. “
Whittaker is a youngweight champion who is advancing to light-heavyweight combat. He recently faced off in his first fight against Matchroom.
He increased his professional run to 10 victories in 11 fights, with Liam Cameron and he falling over the ropes.
Prior to Palma’s arrival earlier this year, Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan and her husband, Mark Wright, shared their plans for their first Christmas together.
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Michelle Keegan and her husband Mark Wright welcomed daughter Palma earlier this year and now an insider how shared how they plan to celebrate Christmas(Image: Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)
Michelle Keegan and husband Mark Wright head into the festive season with their baby daughter, Palma, a source tells new that there will be “no expense spared” as the couple make sure it’s a Christmas to remember. Former TOWIE star Mark gave fans a sneak peek of their £3.5m Essex mansion last week, which had been transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland.
In a video that was posted online, he remarked, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year, an extra special one for us this time. ” Mark and Michelle’s family plans to celebrate their daughter’s first Christmas with all of their might, according to a source close to them.
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“Mark loves Christmas and he’s wanted a family for a long time, so for him it couldn’t get any better. He’s like an excited puppy dog and cherishing every minute of it. It means the world to him. When it comes to presents, he’ll be spoiling them both – Mark doesn’t know how to reign it in!”
In the video, radio DJ Mark, 38, showed viewers their porch, which is decorated with exquisite garlands, velvet bows, and baubles. Then, according to him, they displayed their enormous Christmas tree, which almost reaches the top of their lavishly decorated sweeping staircase. A gingerbread house and a nutcracker ornament are finishing touches to the grand entrance.
Meanwhile, Michelle, 38, started preparations early, posing alongside her daughter in matching winter pyjamas and sharing her favourite festive food picks with fans as she promoted the M&S Christmas Magazine in November.
It’s been a busy year for the couple, who tied the knot in 2015. After welcoming their baby on 6 March, former Coronation Street favourite Michelle, who appeared in the soap as fiery barmaid Tina McIntyre from 2008 to 2014, has thrown herself into work – wrapping her final scenes for Brassic on Sky in May, and filming for ITV psychological thriller The Blame.
The star, who was born in Manchester, is said to be looking forward to a family vacation of some kind.
She has been very busy, but her family is first. It’s lovely to spend some time with someone special, especially since she and Mark once almost lived apart because of work.
Although her family is originally from Manchester, “family comes first and it’s very important for them to be all together.” It will be lovely to see the entire family together.
As well as becoming a first-time mum, Michelle has plenty to celebrate. Her new drama is expected to hit screens next year and comes off the back of her success in Our Girl and Ten Pound Poms on BBC One, as well as Harlan Coben’s Fool Me Once, a huge global smash hit on US streaming giant, Netflix.
Whatever the outcome, there is no denying that the pair will be looking forward to an exciting 2026. It’s been reported that her busy schedule is a part of a bigger plan to have baby number two next year. Mark joked that “twins would be great,” while Michele previously said she hoped for four children.
You can see how happy Palma has brought them, saying, “Mark would love another baby and they would love to be parents.” However, Michelle’s work is all about timing.
Continue reading the article.
She still wants to be a famous person and still wants to be a global force. She doesn’t understand why she can’t be a mother and carry on doing it all. That dream isn’t going anywhere.
Seven kidnapped victims have been rescued by Operation MESA in the Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State during a late-night operation.
The rescue came after residents of Yankamaye Cikin Gari reported an attack by armed bandits that were received at around 11 p.m. on November 29, 2025.
According to security sources, the troops responded “swiftly” to the alert and confronted the attackers while working together with members of the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Police. Before the troops arrived, the bandits had already killed a 60-year-old woman.
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The 3 Brigade’s Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, said in a statement that the forces continued to pursue the fugding bandits as they made their way to Rimaye. He claimed that the troops successfully saved the abducted victims after engaging them in a large amount of fire.
Four kidnapped victims are still missing despite the successful rescue of seven people. The bandits escaped toward the Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State, according to Captain Zubairu, and “search efforts are still being made to locate them.”
Residents are being urged to continue supporting security operations by the Commander of the 3 Brigade, who praised the personnel for what he termed “bravery and prompt response.” We ask the public for timely and reliable information to support ongoing efforts to stop criminal activity, he said.
Martin O’Neill, Celtic’s interim manager, says his final game in charge of Hibernian’s Scottish Premiership match on Sunday is unlikely to be his last.
Following Brendan Rodgers’ unexpected resignation, the legendary Celtic boss made a comeback to the club last month.
O’Neill, who has won five of his six games in his interim capacity, will likely take the place of Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy.
The 73-year-old said there is now a “strong possibility” he will lead the team for Wednesday’s game at home to Dundee, despite the fact that he had anticipated Easter Road would be his final game.
O’Neill told BBC Scotland, “I expected this to be my last game, but I learned yesterday that the process is still going on.”
I didn’t go into the ins and outs of it because it has to do with paperwork.
I believe I have a good chance of taking charge of Wednesday’s game, and I think that’s it.
Saracens will run until 2029 under new contract signed by England back rower Ben Earl.
The 27-year-old made his Sarries debut at the age of 18 and has spent the majority of his time playing for the club in north London despite only having a short loan spell in Bristol.
Earl was a member of Sarries’ 2018-19 team that won the European Champions Cup and the three-time Premiership.
He has made three appearances so far this season, and he will face Bath on Sunday.
“I’m really enjoying how much I can stay in my boyhood club. He stated on the club website that “I believe I have the best chance to reach my full potential and achieve something special with my best mates.”
He claims that his DNA contains Saracens.
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Earl has seven tries and can play flanker and number eight for his country and his club.
He was a member of Steve Borthwick’s side that finished third at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and participated in all four of England’s 2020 campaign for the Six Nations title.
He played in all three of England’s autumn internationals this November and was chosen for the British and Irish Lions’ summer tour to Australia.
Ben has played rugby for Saracens since he was 14 years old, developing from a promising young academy talent to a star player on the global stage, according to Sarries’ rugby director, Mark McCall.
We are thrilled that he has resigned from the club because he has Saracens in his DNA.
