Revealed On 30 Nov 2025
Devastating floods have swept by way of components of capital Colombo as Sri Lanka reels from the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with the dying toll reaching 193 and 228 folks nonetheless lacking, in line with the Catastrophe Administration Centre (DMC).
The cyclone’s weeklong heavy rains triggered widespread flooding and mudslides throughout the island, with the complete extent of destruction within the central area solely now turning into obvious as aid employees clear blocked roads.
“Though the cyclone has left us, heavy rains upstream are actually flooding low-lying areas alongside the banks of the Kelani River,” a DMC official mentioned, as northern components of the capital confronted rising floodwaters.
In Wennawatte, a Colombo suburb, 46-year-old Selvi fled her flooded residence carrying what possessions she might salvage. “My home is totally flooded. I have no idea the place to go, however I hope there’s some secure shelter the place I can take my household,” she advised the AFP information company.
As floodwaters receded in Manampitiya, 250km (155 miles) northeast of Colombo, the dimensions of destruction turned seen.
“Manampitiya is a flood-prone city, however I’ve by no means seen such a quantity of water,” mentioned 72-year-old resident S Sivanandan, who described intensive harm to companies and property.
The catastrophe has created pressing medical wants, with blood provides critically low. Lakshman Edirisinghe, the blood financial institution chief, reported receiving solely 236 items on Saturday in opposition to a each day requirement of 1,500. “Due to floods and heavy rains, we had been unable to conduct our cell campaigns to gather blood,” he mentioned, urging donors to go to blood banks.
Officers warn of continuous landslide dangers as mountain slopes stay saturated with rainwater.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency on Saturday and appealed for worldwide help. India responded instantly with aid provides and rescue helicopters, whereas Pakistan and Japan have additionally pledged assist.
The cyclone has destroyed greater than 25,000 houses, forcing 147,000 folks into non permanent shelters, with one other 968,000 requiring help after being displaced. Navy personnel are working alongside civilian responders within the big aid effort.
This marks Sri Lanka’s deadliest pure catastrophe since 2017, when floods and landslides killed greater than 200 folks. The nation’s worst flooding this century occurred in June 2003, killing 254 folks.
