By Mandy TaheriShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberCyclone Ditwah tore through Sri Lanka this week, triggering severe flooding and mudslides, killing more than 132 people and nearly 200 others missing, according to local authorities.
Why It Matters
Sri Lanka, a nation of about 23 million, has been hit with severe weather over the past week, with the cyclone bringing heavy rain and flooding to parts of the country.
Flooding and landslides have closed schools, transportation routes, government offices, and displaced thousands, while hundreds remain missing. Fallen power lines and overwhelmed water purification centers have led nearly a third of the country to be without electricity or running water, Le Monde and AFP reported, citing local officials.
...What To Know
The cyclone formed east of the island and swept across the country over the past several days, intensifying on Thursday and Friday. Cyclones are storm systems that feed on warm ocean water and low atmospheric pressure, often bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The eastern and central portions of the country were hit hardest.
The destructive storm prompted the president to declare a state of emergency Saturday, giving him authority to swiftly deploy the military and police to help speed up rescue and health operations.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that more than 15,000 homes have been destroyed by the storm and about 78,000 people are in temporary shelters.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the neighboring country and dispatched humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the island nation.
Many people have been stranded on rooftops, scrambling to escape rising floodwaters, while videos show others trying to wade through high waters.
...What People Are Saying
Brigadier S. Dharmawickrema, Emergency Operations Director at the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) told Reuters: "We are continuing rescue operations in the worst-hit areas, but some villages are difficult to reach because roads are blocked by landslides...we are doing our best to get everyone to safety.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a November 28 statement: “My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families. In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves.”
Indian Air Force said in a Friday X post: “In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts. The Indian Air Force promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindan Air Base on the night of 28/29 Nov 2025, airlifting 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 Tonnes of equipment to Colombo. Essential rations and critical supplies have been delivered to support affected communities.”
U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, said in an X post on Saturday: “As Sri Lanka responds to the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah, the United States stands by the Sri Lankan people & is supporting efforts through @WFP to assist affected families. Today’s handover of 20,000 polysacks—used to reinforce embankments & slow floodwaters—to the Government of Sri Lanka builds on our recent handover of communication equipment & reflects our ongoing commitment during this challenging time. In the coming weeks, we will work with WFP to also deliver generators, cooking stoves, water bins, & tents.”
What Happens Next?
The storm is moving towards India’s eastern coast, with expected landfall early Sunday. India's Chennai Airport has already cancelled over 50 flights due to weather conditions.
The reported death toll in Sri Lanka is expected to rise in coming days as rescue teams have been unable to reach some of the hardest hit regions due to severe landslides and conditions.
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