Torrential rains trigger landslides burying neighborhoods, displace over 100,000, and cripple infrastructure as emergency declared amid ongoing rescue efforts
Cyclone Ditwah, a powerful and deadly tropical cyclone, made landfall on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast on November 27, 2025, unleashing torrential rains and triggering one of the worst flooding and landslide disasters the country has faced in recent years. The storm caused massive destruction, killing at least 193 people and leaving many more missing, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes. It is estimated that nearly one million people, from over 260,000 families, have been affected by the floods, with more than 41,000 families seeking refuge in over 1,000 emergency shelters across the island. The cyclone has also caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including road closures, power outages affecting a third of the country, and severe disruptions to communication services.
Devastating Impact on Vulnerable Regions
The central highlands of Sri Lanka, especially the tea-growing districts such as Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, bore the brunt of the disaster with catastrophic landslides burying entire neighborhoods under mud and debris. Torrential rain—exceeding 300 mm in some areas—caused rivers to overflow and water to inundate vast tracts of land, including parts of Colombo, the capital city. Essential services were interrupted as roads became impassable and bridges collapsed, complicating evacuation and relief operations. Many residents fled their homes in the dead of night or were trapped on rooftops, awaiting rescue.
Humanitarian Crisis and Rescue Operations
The humanitarian situation remains dire, with over 78,000 people currently living in more than 800 relief centers. Rescue missions are led by the Sri Lankan army, navy, and air force, supported by volunteers who continue to search for missing persons, including five naval personnel last seen attempting to manage floodwaters in the northeast. Approximately 833,000 people require urgent aid including food, clean water, and medical supplies. Authorities have warned of increasing risks of waterborne disease outbreaks due to prolonged exposure to unsanitary conditions.
Government and Regional Response
In response to the unfolding crisis, Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency, facilitating rapid mobilization of emergency services and resources. Schools were closed, train operations suspended, and the Colombo Stock Exchange ceased trading early as the cyclone approached. The Indian government has also provided assistance, sending search-and-rescue teams and essential aid supplies to help manage the disaster’s aftermath. Officials warn that more heavy rain and flooding could occur in the coming days, potentially worsening the humanitarian situation.
Broader Climate and Disaster Preparedness Context
Cyclone Ditwah’s devastating impact highlights Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to increasingly intense cyclones and extreme weather events, linked to shifting climate patterns. Historically, Sri Lanka has faced severe flooding, but the frequency and severity of such events appear to be rising. The disaster underscores the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and community preparedness to mitigate such tragedies. Long-term recovery efforts will demand rebuilding homes, restoring critical infrastructure, and enhancing disaster readiness to protect vulnerable communities from future calamities.
This catastrophic event has left a deep imprint on Sri Lanka’s people and landscape, calling urgent attention to the need for coordinated local and international responses to climate-related disasters. The coming weeks will be critical in saving lives, providing humanitarian relief, and beginning the long road to recovery for the tens of thousands affected by Cyclone Ditwah’s wrath.
