Cyclone Ditwah: 123 Dead, 130 Missing as Sri Lanka Battles Worst Floods in Years

Sri Lanka is reeling from the impact of Cyclone Ditwah , which has triggered torrential rains and severe flooding, leaving 123 people dead and another 130 missing, according to the country’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The week-long extreme weather has caused widespread destruction, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes as authorities intensify nationwide rescue and relief efforts.

Nearly 44,000 People Shifted to Welfare Centres

Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda confirmed on Saturday that 43,995 people displaced by the Sri Lanka floods have been moved into state-run welfare centres after their homes were destroyed. He added that relief operations are ongoing with support from the armed forces as the country battles the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

Cyclone Moves Toward India but Leaves Trail of Destruction

Although the weather system is now moving away from Sri Lanka toward India, its impact remains devastating. Heavy rains that began Monday intensified dramatically when the cyclone made landfall on Wednesday, unleashing record rainfall across the island and triggering widespread flooding.

Kelani River Overflows, Forcing Evacuations

Flood levels rose sharply on Saturday, especially in low-lying areas, prompting authorities to issue urgent evacuation orders for families living along the Kelani River, which flows through Colombo into the Indian Ocean.
The river burst its banks on Friday evening, sending hundreds of residents to temporary shelters as rescue teams struggled to reach stranded communities.

Rain Eases in Most Regions, But North Still Affected

While rains have subsided across most parts of Sri Lanka—including the capital—some northern areas continue to experience showers due to the lingering effects of Cyclone Ditwah. Officials warn that the conditions in certain regions remain unstable, adding pressure to ongoing disaster management operations.

India Sends Emergency Aid; PM Modi Extends Support

India responded swiftly by sending a planeload of emergency supplies early Saturday to assist flood-affected families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences for the loss of life and assured that New Delhi stands ready to provide additional support.
“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” Modi posted on X.

Military Mobilised for Rescue and Relief Operations

Sri Lanka has deployed military helicopters and boats to evacuate citizens stranded by rising waters. Armed forces continue to assist with flood evacuation, rescue missions, and the distribution of essential relief items across multiple districts.

Flood Levels Expected to Surpass 2016 Disaster

DMC officials fear that the current flooding could be worse than the devastation seen in 2016, when 71 people died nationwide. This week’s toll is already the highest weather-related death count since last June, when 26 people were killed during heavy rains.
In December, floods and landslides claimed 17 more lives, underscoring the island’s increasing vulnerability to extreme weather.

One of Sri Lanka’s Worst Natural Disasters in Years

Sri Lanka’s deadliest flooding disaster this century occurred in June 2003, when 254 people were killed. While the full extent of damage from Cyclone Ditwah is still being assessed, officials warn that the humanitarian and infrastructural impact will be severe, adding to the country’s longstanding struggle with climate-driven disasters.