9 months ago
Cyclone Ditwah Kills 56 in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, a big storm called Cyclone Ditwah brought very heavy rains and caused floods and landslides.
Many people died, and lots of houses were damaged.
The government had to close schools and offices to keep people safe.
They also stopped some trains and flights because of the bad weather.
The army, navy, and air force helped people who were stuck in their homes.
The weather is still bad, and more rain is expected, so people are being told to move to safer places.
India sent help to Sri Lanka to support the people affected by the storm.
Cyclone Ditwah caused floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, killing at least 56 people and leaving 25 missing.
Over 666 houses were damaged, and more than 12,313 families were displaced, with the worst-hit areas being Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Colombo.
Government offices and schools were closed, and exams were postponed due to severe weather conditions. Train services were suspended, and flights were diverted.
Emergency teams, including the army, navy, and air force, are on high alert and conducting rescue operations. India dispatched relief materials and HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Cyclone Ditwah is expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh in India by November 30, 2025.
- Who
- Residents of Sri Lanka, particularly in Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Colombo
- What
- Floods and landslides caused by heavy rains and Cyclone Ditwah
- Where
- Across Sri Lanka, with significant impact in Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Colombo
- When
- Beginning on November 16, 2025, worsening on November 28, 2025
- Why
- Severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and cyclonic storms, led to floods and landslides
Key facts
- Death Toll
- 56
- Missing Persons
- 25
- Injured
- 14
- Damaged Houses
- 666+
- Affected Families
- 12,313+
- Regions Affected
- Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Colombo, others
- Government Response
- Closed schools, offices; postponed exams; suspended train services
- Weather Alert
- Red alert for cyclonic storms and heavy rainfall
- Cyclone Location
- Southwest Bay of Bengal, near Sri Lankan coast
- Expected Rainfall
- 200+ mm in central and northern Sri Lanka
- India's Response
- Operation Sagar Bandhu; dispatched relief materials and HADR support
Timeline
A low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal and intensified, leading to heavy rains and strong winds.
Heavy rains and strong winds were expected due to a low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal, which intensified into Cyclone Ditva.
Heavy rains and strong winds from Cyclone Ditva, which was expected to intensify into a depression within 24 hours, triggered the floods and landslides in Sri Lanka.
Heavy rains and strong winds from Cyclone Ditva triggered the floods and landslides in Sri Lanka.
Heavy rains and Cyclone Ditva triggered floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, killing at least 40 and displacing many.
Quotes
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
“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.”
assamtribune.com
“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves. Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need.”
assamtribune.com
Athula Karunanayake
Director general of the meteorology department
“We noticed Ditwah exiting Sri Lanka and heading towards the Indian coast.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“However, its indirect impact with heavy rains and high speed winds will remain for some time.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka
Diplomatic mission of India in Sri Lanka
“Operation Sagar Bandhu is underway, delivering urgent HADR support to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. India extends urgent HADR support to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. India has provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other essential relief items from INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to assist affected families. In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy.”
financialexpress.com
assamtribune.com
S. Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister of India
“Operation Sagar Bandhu unfolds. Indian Air Force C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, lands in Colombo.”
assamtribune.com
Prabath Abeywardena
Chief district administrator of Badulla in the Central Province
“Several areas remain inaccessible with contact difficulties.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Thushari Tennakoon
Chief administrator from the Central Province of Nuwara Eliya
“Since Thursday no information had been coming from most areas in the district.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
Sri Lanka: 56 killed in floods, landslides
Four Colombo-bound Flights Diverted to Thiruvananthapuram Airport Amid Cyclone Ditwah
Cyclone Ditva: NDRF deployed in Tamil Nadu
Cyclone Ditwah LIVE: 56 persons reported dead in Sri Lanka
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IMD issues ‘orange alert’ as cyclone Ditwah nears TN, Puducherry
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Cyclone Ditwah to hit Andhra coasts on November 30
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Cyclone Ditwah Disrupts Tamil Nadu As Flights Cancelled, Colleges Closed
123 dead, several missing in Sri Lanka as Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc – India deploys NDRF teams under Op Sagar Bandhu
Cyclone Ditwah exits Sri Lanka leaving behind trail of devastation
Sri Lanka Floods News, Cyclone Ditwah News: India Launches Op Sagar Bandhu, Sends Relief Material To Flood-Hit Sri Lanka
Cyclone Ditwah: Death toll rises to 123 in Sri Lanka as floods trigger mass evacuations, with 130 still missing
NDRF sends teams to Sri Lanka for Cyclone Ditwah aid under ‘Op Sagar Bandhu’
