Sri Lanka is reeling from one of its most devastating natural disasters in recent years, as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah continues to rise amid widespread flooding and landslides across the island nation. Authorities confirmed on Sunday that at least 212 people have died, while 218 others remain missing, underscoring the scale of destruction that has engulfed multiple districts.
Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall late last week, unleashed record-breaking rainfall that began on Thursday and persisted for days, triggering thousands of families to flee their homes. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), nearly one million people have been directly affected, marking the disaster as one of the most severe climate-related emergencies the country has confronted in decades.
Officials reported that almost 200,000 displaced residents are currently seeking refuge in 1,275 temporary shelters spread across the country. Many communities remain inaccessible due to rising waters, road washouts, and landslides, significantly slowing rescue operations.
Massive floods breach major reservoir
One of the most alarming incidents occurred in the eastern region, where the Mavil Aru Reservoir breached under intense pressure from floodwaters. The breach prompted emergency evacuations, with the Sri Lanka Air Force airlifting over 120 stranded residents to safety. Military officials added that nearly 2,000 others were evacuated to higher ground as a precautionary measure.
The reservoir breach worsened the crisis, contributing to severe flooding that swept through entire villages. Rescue teams, including more than 24,000 personnel from the police, army and air force, have been deployed nationwide. Despite their efforts, many areas remain cut off, forcing responders to rely on boats and aircraft to reach those in distress.
Colombo among the hardest hit
Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial capital, Colombo, is among the worst-affected locations. Several neighbourhoods have been submerged for days, leaving families stranded in upper floors of homes. In districts like Kelaniya, floodwaters have swallowed streets, homes and businesses, leaving thousands with nothing but the clothes they carried as they fled.
More than 17,000 people are currently seeking refuge in various relief centres across Colombo and surrounding suburbs. While state agencies and humanitarian groups have been distributing food, water and essential supplies, many survivors say assistance remains far from enough.
One such survivor, 37-year-old Sunethra Priyadarshani, described the desperation her family faced.
“My sister and I were trapped on the upper floor of our home with our four children for two days,” she said. “We slowly ran out of food. We only had biscuits and water to give them last night. It was terrifying.”
Sunethra said the family was eventually rescued by a boat delivering lunch to stranded households.
“We only have the clothes we are wearing,” she continued. “We will stay with an aunt for now, but we really need help.”
Her story reflects the hardship endured by thousands across the island, many of whom have lost homes, valuables and livelihoods within hours.
Landslides devastate central highlands
In the central highlands, where steep terrain makes communities highly vulnerable during heavy rains, multiple landslides have crushed homes and farmland. The DMC warns that the number of missing persons may rise as many were swept away at night when families were asleep.
Clearing debris and accessing remote villages remains a major challenge, with several roads blocked by fallen trees, mud and damaged infrastructure.
Government mobilises emergency funding
In response to the escalating crisis, the Sri Lankan government has announced the release of emergency funds to boost relief and rescue operations. Officials say resources are being channelled into food supplies, temporary shelters, medical assistance and infrastructure repairs.
Local authorities in severely affected districts have appealed for more support as floods have severely damaged public facilities, roads, and communication lines. The government is working closely with international agencies, including the United Nations, to coordinate humanitarian assistance and deploy specialised teams.
The Ministry of Health has also issued warnings about potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases due to contaminated floodwater. Medical teams have been stationed at camps to distribute hygiene kits, water purification tablets and emergency medication.
Economic impact and risks to livelihoods
Economists caution that Cyclone Ditwah’s aftermath will have long-term consequences for Sri Lanka’s struggling economy. Key agricultural zones—paddy fields, vegetable farms and tea plantations—have suffered extensive damage. Thousands of hectares of farmland may be lost, posing a threat to food security.
Small businesses have also been severely hit, with traders losing stock, equipment and income sources. For many daily wage earners, the disaster means an abrupt loss of livelihood with no immediate safety net.
Experts warn that Sri Lanka may need to reassess its disaster preparedness systems, strengthen climate adaptation strategies and increase investments in early-warning technologies.
Voices from the ground highlight deepening struggles
In Gampaha District, 52-year-old farmer Prasad Jayasinghe described the emotional toll of losing everything.
“I’ve lost my crops, my tools, even my animals,” he said. “I have no idea how I will start again once the water goes down.”
Meanwhile, in Ratnapura—one of the districts badly affected by landslides—rescue operations continue as teams dig through mud to search for the missing. Bridges have collapsed, roads remain impassable and entire villages await news about loved ones.
Despite the dire situation, volunteer groups, churches, mosques, youth organisations and private companies have stepped in to support state agencies by delivering cooked meals, clothing and transportation for stranded families.
Regional devastation across Southeast Asia
The destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah extends beyond Sri Lanka. Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have collectively reported over 600 deaths from related floods and landslides, with tens of thousands displaced. Meteorologists warn that severe weather patterns are becoming more frequent as climate change intensifies rainfall systems.
Sri Lanka faces a long and uncertain recovery
As waters slowly recede, Sri Lanka now enters a painful recovery phase. Authorities face the challenge of rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, repairing critical infrastructure and offering psychological support to traumatised survivors.
For families like Sunethra’s and thousands of others, the road ahead remains uncertain. But with coordinated national and international support, there is hope that the country will slowly rebuild and strengthen its resilience against future disasters.
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