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Cyclone Ditwah Devastates Sri Lanka: 123 Dead, 130 Missing and Nearly 44,000 Displaced

11:39 AM, 11/29/2025
Cyclone Ditwah Devastates Sri Lanka: 123 Dead, 130 Missing and Nearly 44,000 Displaced

Cyclone Ditwah’s heavy rains and floods have killed 123 people in Sri Lanka, with 130 still missing and nearly 44,000 displaced to state-run shelters. Relief operations, aided by the armed forces, are underway using helicopters and boats to evacuate and deliver aid. India has sent emergency supplies and offered further assistance. Officials warn flood levels could surpass those seen in 2016.

Torrential rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah have killed 123 people across Sri Lanka, with another 130 reported missing, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said on Saturday. Nearly 44,000 people (43,995) have been relocated to state-run welfare centres after a week of heavy downpours that destroyed homes and infrastructure.

Relief and rescue operations

DMC Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda said relief operations are under way with support from the armed forces. Military helicopters and boats are being used to evacuate marooned residents and to move supplies into hard-hit areas.

"Relief operations with the help of the armed forces are underway," Kotuwegoda told reporters in Colombo.

Impact and local conditions

The weather system began affecting the island on Monday and made landfall on Wednesday, unleashing record rainfall in many areas. Flooding worsened in low-lying districts on Saturday, prompting officials to order evacuations along the banks of the Kelani River. The Kelani burst its banks on Friday evening, forcing hundreds into temporary shelters.

While rains have eased in most parts of the country, including the capital, residual showers continue in northern areas. DMC officials warned flood levels this week could exceed those recorded in 2016, when 71 people were killed nationwide.

International assistance

India dispatched a planeload of emergency supplies early on Saturday to assist victims. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and said New Delhi "stands ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves," posting on X.

Historical context

Officials noted this week's toll is the highest since mid-last year, and the most severe weather-related death toll in recent times. The worst flooding since the turn of the century occurred in June 2003, when 254 people lost their lives.

Authorities continue search, rescue and relief operations as they assess damage, restore services and prepare for ongoing flood risks. Local officials urged residents in vulnerable areas to follow evacuation orders and to avoid floodwaters.

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