Cyclone Ditwah Unleashes Devastation in Sri Lanka, India Rushes Aid Amidst Mounting Crisis

Cyclone Ditwah has wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka, triggering widespread flooding and devastating landslides that have claimed at least 123 lives and left 130 people missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) on Saturday, November 29, 2025. This catastrophic event marks Sri Lanka's worst flooding crisis in two decades, prompting an urgent national and international response.

The cyclone, which made landfall on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, brought record rainfall across the island, with its effects felt since Monday, November 24, 2025. The relentless downpour has destroyed nearly 15,000 homes and displaced approximately 44,000 individuals, forcing them into state-run welfare centers, as reported by ndtv.

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, the Sri Lankan government declared a State of Public Emergency on Friday, November 28, 2025, to expedite disaster response efforts. This declaration grants authorities sweeping powers under the Public Security Ordinance to manage the emergency nationwide, Xinhua reported.

Neighboring India swiftly launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to provide critical humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka. The Indian Air Force deployed aircraft carrying 21 tonnes of relief material, including essential food items and sanitary supplies, along with 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and eight tonnes of equipment, as confirmed by Business Standard.

The Indian Navy also contributed significantly, with its aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline warship INS Udaigiri delivering the first tranche of humanitarian supplies to Colombo on Friday, November 28, 2025. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his heartfelt condolences and affirmed India's readiness to provide further aid as the situation evolves, The Hindu reported.

While the cyclone has now exited Sri Lanka and is moving towards the Indian coast, its indirect impact, including heavy rains and high-speed winds, is expected to persist for some time, according to Athula Karunanayake, Director General of the Meteorology Department. The flooding situation in low-lying areas, particularly along the Kelani River, worsened on Saturday, prompting further evacuation orders.

• Historical Context of Flooding in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka possesses a long and challenging history with natural disasters, particularly floods and landslides, which are often exacerbated by monsoon rains. According to a report by Durga Velayudham, the island's vulnerability is deeply rooted in its geography, climate, and past human choices, with records of severe floods dating back to the British colonial administration in years like 1913, 1940, and 1957. Major flood events in the post-independence era, such as those in 2003 and 2017, resulted in 254 and 208 deaths respectively, highlighting a recurring pattern of devastation.

• Impact on Vulnerable Communities and Infrastructure: The current disaster has disproportionately affected districts like Kandy, which reported the highest number of casualties with 51 deaths and 67 missing persons, Xinhua noted. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the destruction of nearly 15,000 homes and the displacement of 44,000 individuals represent a significant blow to the nation's infrastructure and the livelihoods of its most vulnerable citizens. The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has activated emergency response operations to support rescue efforts and distribute essential relief items.

• India's "Neighbourhood First" Policy in Action: India's rapid deployment of 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' underscores its "Neighbourhood First" policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and acting as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region, as reported by Insights IAS. The mission involved a coordinated effort by the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, demonstrating India's expanding capability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) logistics.

• Challenges in Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation: Despite the frequent occurrence of natural disasters, Sri Lanka faces ongoing challenges in disaster preparedness and response. While the World Bank and the government have explored nature-based solutions (NBS) for flood mitigation, such as wetland preservation, political and economic instability have hampered the implementation of these crucial measures, according to a report by GFDRR. The cyclical nature of these events gradually erodes the coping mechanisms of affected families, making long-term recovery more difficult.

• The Role of Climate Change: Experts suggest that the intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events are likely to increase due to climate change. While the immediate focus is on rescue and relief, the long-term implications necessitate a re-evaluation of national disaster management strategies and infrastructure resilience. The Sri Lankan Meteorological Department had warned of over 200 mm of rain in several provinces, indicating the extreme nature of the weather system.

• International and Local Response Coordination: The response to Cyclone Ditwah involves a multi-faceted approach, with the Sri Lankan armed forces utilizing helicopters and boats for rescue operations, as reported by ndtv. The declaration of a state of emergency by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday, November 28, 2025, aims to streamline these efforts and ensure effective coordination among various agencies, including the police and the Disaster Management Centre.

• Future Outlook and Recovery Efforts: As Cyclone Ditwah moves away, the immediate priority shifts to search and rescue for the missing, providing shelter and aid to the displaced, and restoring essential services. The recovery process will be extensive, requiring significant resources and sustained international support. The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society emphasizes that humanitarian support is critical to prevent further loss of life and help communities recover with dignity.