Colombo: Severe flooding and landslides triggered by a week of relentless rainfall brought by Cyclone Ditwah have claimed at least 123 lives across Sri Lanka, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Authorities say 130 people remain missing, and rescue efforts are continuing under increasingly challenging conditions.
The extreme weather system has caused widespread devastation, destroying nearly 15,000 homes and displacing close to 44,000 residents, many of whom have been moved to government-run welfare centres and temporary shelters.
Although Cyclone Ditwah began moving toward India’s southern coast on Saturday, Sri Lanka continues to face the impact of heavy rains. The central district of Kandy has been hit by additional landslides, with major access routes submerged in several locations.
DMC Director-General Sampath Kotuwegoda said that relief operations have intensified with the deployment of thousands of personnel from the army, navy, and air force to support rescue and recovery missions.
International Aid Requested:
With nearly half a million people affected nationwide, the Sri Lankan government has issued an appeal for international assistance. Officials have also called on Sri Lankans living abroad to make cash donations to support relief operations and ongoing humanitarian needs.
Mahesh Gunasekara, Secretary-General of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, reported that many communities remain stranded as rescue teams struggle to access heavily flooded regions.
Rising waters along the Kelani River, which runs through Colombo to the Indian Ocean, prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders. The river burst its banks late Friday, forcing hundreds more into shelters.
As rain continues in several districts, officials warn that the risk of further landslides remains high. Emergency teams are working around the clock as the country braces for more adverse weather in the coming days.
Pakistan is Ready to Extend Support:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was ready to extend “any support in rescue, recovery and relief efforts as a symbol of our solidarity with our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters”.
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by the severe floods and landslides in Sri Lanka. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and prayers for the missing.
Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and Government…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 29, 2025
“Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and government of Sri Lanka in this hour of grief,” he said. We stand ready to extend any support in rescue, recovery and relief efforts as a symbol of our solidarity with our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters”.