The confirmed death toll from Cyclone Ditwah-triggered floods and landslides in Sri Lanka reached 159 on November 30, 2025.More than 200 people remain missing as heavy rains that lasted over a week continue to hamper operations.
Cyclone Ditwah Unleashes Record Rainfall
The cyclone formed in the Bay of Bengal and delivered extreme precipitation across multiple districts, overwhelming drainage systems and triggering massive mudslides.Authorities recorded some areas receiving over 400mm of rain in 48 hours, causing rivers to burst banks and hillsides to collapse.
Neighbourhoods Entombed in Mud
Rescue teams report entire neighbourhoods buried under several metres of mud, particularly in Gampaha, Kolonnawa, and Kelani Valley regions.The thick sludge has made it nearly impossible to locate survivors or recover bodies quickly, according to Disaster Management Centre officials.
Human and Infrastructure Toll
Over 770,000 people have been affected nationwide, with approximately 100,000 displaced to emergency shelters.The Road Development Authority confirmed 206 roads remain blocked and at least 10 bridges sustained severe damage.
Nearly 15,000 homes are completely destroyed, leaving thousands without basic necessities as power outages and water contamination spread.
Government Response and Emergency Declaration
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency on November 29 to accelerate resource deployment and relief coordination.The Sri Lankan military mobilised armoured vehicles and helicopters to reach cut-off communities, while schools and government offices nationwide closed indefinitely.
International Assistance Mobilised
India rapidly deployed NDRF teams and conducted airlifts using Chetak helicopters from aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in affected areas including Divulapitiya and Pannala.Pakistan delivered 100 tonnes of relief goods via PNS SAIF and prepared additional rescue personnel through its NDMA.
The swift bilateral support demonstrates strong regional solidarity during the crisis, officials from both countries noted.
Health and Secondary Risks
Health authorities warned of rising risks of waterborne diseases as contaminated floodwaters linger in densely populated areas.Hospitals in Colombo and surrounding districts report being overwhelmed with injured patients and shortage of essential medicines.
Broader Context and Recovery Outlook
Meteorologists link Cyclone Ditwah's intensity to warmer sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean, a pattern increasingly observed in recent years.The disaster's scale rivals major events of the past decade and underscores the urgent need for enhanced early-warning systems and hillside development controls.
Recovery will require months of coordinated effort, but Sri Lanka's demonstrated resilience and immediate international backing provide crucial foundations for rebuilding affected communities.
