Sri Lanka Disaster has intensified into one of the country’s worst natural calamities in recent years as Cyclone Ditwah unleashed days of relentless rain, flooding and landslides, killing 123 people with 130 still missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Entire districts remain inundated, communication lines have collapsed, and major transport routes lie destroyed as emergency teams struggle to reach isolated communities.
Nearly 44,000 people have sought refuge in temporary shelters, while broader estimates suggest over 200,000 residents across 61,000 families have been affected. As Cyclone Ditwah moves toward India, the destruction left behind continues to expand, prompting both domestic mobilisation and urgent international assistance.
Key Takeaways: Cyclone Ditwah Crisis in Sri Lanka — Deaths, Destruction and India’s Swift Response
- 123 confirmed deaths; 130 missing, DMC reports.
- Nearly 15,000 homes destroyed; more than 43,995 people displaced to shelters.
- Over 200,000 residents from 61,000 families impacted across multiple districts.
- Kelani River overflows, causing mass evacuations across Colombo and Gampaha.
- Communication breakdown as fibre cables snap and mobile networks flood.
- Power outages hit 25–35%, affecting millions; Kotmale and Rantambe hydropower plants shut down.
- Three major bridges washed away, isolating Matale, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala and Uva regions.
- Record rainfall: up to 540 mm in 24 hours, and nearly 1,000 mm in 10 days.
- India launches Operation Sagar Bandhu, airlifting 21 tonnes of aid, NDRF teams and naval support.
- The government invokes the Essential Public Services Act to maintain electricity, water and transport.
Cyclone Ditwah’s Path of Destruction Across Sri Lanka
Cyclone Ditwah began impacting Sri Lanka on November 24 and intensified on November 26, delivering unprecedented rainfall across central and western districts. By November 29, officials confirmed 123 deaths, while 130 people remained missing. The destructive weather triggered major landslides, widespread flooding and the collapse of several village communities in tea-growing regions.
Districts such as Matale, Polonnaruwa, Kandy and Badulla reported extreme rainfall, with Matale recording a staggering 540 mm in 24 hours. Several mountainous areas received more than 500 mm, prompting fresh landslide warnings from the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO). Over ten days, rainfall totals approached 1,000 mm, making Ditwah one of the most intense weather systems in recent years.
Infrastructure Collapse: Bridges Lost, Roads Cut Off and Transport Paralyzed
The extent of infrastructure damage has deepened the crisis. Three major bridges —
- Moragahakanda Main Bridge
- Elahera Bridge
- Kumara Ella Bridge
— were swept away, cutting off vital routes across Matale, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala and Uva. Several rural communities remain inaccessible due to landslides and collapsed roads, forcing rescue teams to rely on helicopters and boats for evacuations.
The country’s main airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, was forced to divert 15 flights due to heavy rains earlier in the week.
Kelani River Floods Trigger Widespread Evacuations
Flooding intensified when the Kelani River burst its banks on November 28, flooding parts of Colombo and Gampaha. Hundreds were evacuated to emergency shelters as waters surged. The DMC warned that flood levels could surpass those seen in 2016, when 71 people were killed.
Although rains eased in parts of the country, the northern districts continued to receive showers due to residual effects of the cyclone.
Communication Blackout Slows Rescue Efforts
Communication networks collapsed across several districts:
- Fibre-optic cables snapped
- Mobile towers flooded
- Connectivity outages left regions unreachable
A special unit was deployed to restore communication lines, but remote parts of Kandy, Badulla and central hill regions remain inaccessible. Officials warn that casualties may rise sharply once rescue teams reach those areas.
Power Outages Hit Nearly a Third of Sri Lanka
Severe weather triggered widespread power failures, affecting 25–35% of the country. Two major hydropower plants — Kotmale and Rantambe — shut down due to power cable failures.
The Ceylon Electricity Board reported that more than seven million customers experienced disruptions, while damaged access roads slowed repair work.
India Leads Major Relief Operation: Operation Sagar Bandhu
In response to Sri Lanka’s global appeal for assistance, India became the first and fastest responder. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India deployed:
Airlift Support
- 21 tonnes of relief supplies
- 80 NDRF personnel
- Eight tonnes of specialised rescue equipment
- Rescue dogs, inflatable boats, hydraulic cutters, breaching tools and medical kits
- Aircraft: C-130 and IL-76 from Hindon Air Base
A C-130 flight carrying food and sanitary supplies landed in Colombo around 1:30 am on November 29.
Naval Assistance
Earlier, the Indian Navy delivered:
- 4.5 tonnes of dry rations
- 2 tonnes of fresh rations
via INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri, both docked in Sri Lanka.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and reaffirmed India’s readiness to provide further aid, emphasising the country’s commitment to the “Neighbourhood First” policy.
Government Measures Amid Worsening Crisis
Sri Lanka invoked the Essential Public Services Act, declaring electricity, fuel supply, water services, hospitals and public transport as critical services.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya held a diplomatic briefing with Colombo-based envoys to coordinate international support.
Several national examinations were postponed due to widespread flooding and school closures. Tourism authorities also assigned officers to assist foreign nationals affected by the disaster.
Spiritual Insight Amid Crisis: Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji’s Teachings on True Safety and Divine Protection
In times of devastating calamities like Cyclone Ditwah, the vulnerability of human life becomes unmistakably clear. Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji teaches that true safety does not lie in physical strength, technology or worldly preparedness, but in taking refuge in the Supreme God described in our scriptures.
His spiritual knowledge reminds people that when natural events overwhelm human capability, divine protection becomes the only unfailing support. By embracing the eternal path of devotion shown by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji, individuals can find inner stability, fearlessness and hope—even when the world around them appears uncertain and fragile.
Sri Lanka Faces a Long Road Ahead
Although Cyclone Ditwah has moved away toward India, Sri Lankan authorities warn that the danger is far from over. Residual rainfall, unstable slopes and overflowing reservoirs continue to threaten fresh landslides and flooding. Large parts of the country remain without power and communication, while many regions are still inaccessible due to washed-out bridges and blocked roads.
With more than 123 lives lost, 130 people missing and tens of thousands displaced, Sri Lanka is facing a prolonged humanitarian and infrastructure challenge. Relief operations continue with India’s active support, but recovery is expected to take months as the full scale of damage becomes clear.
FAQs on Sri Lanka Cyclone Ditwah Disaster
1. What is the latest death toll from Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka?
Cyclone Ditwah has killed 123 people, with 130 still missing as authorities continue rescue operations across flood-hit and landslide-affected regions.
2. How many people have been displaced due to Cyclone Ditwah?
Nearly 44,000 people are in state-run shelters, while over 200,000 residents from 61,000 families have been affected nationwide.
3. Which areas in Sri Lanka were worst affected by Cyclone Ditwah?
Central and western districts including Matale, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Badulla, Colombo and Gampaha faced severe flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage.
4. What kind of assistance has India provided to Sri Lanka?
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, sending aircraft, naval supplies, 21 tonnes of relief material, 80 NDRF personnel, rescue equipment and essential rations.
5. Why did flooding worsen along the Kelani River?
The Kelani River burst its banks after days of record rainfall, forcing mass evacuations and prompting warnings that flood levels may surpass 2016 levels.
