COLOMBO: Cyclone Ditwah swept across Sri Lanka on Friday, leaving 46 people dead and 23 others missing, as torrential rains and landslides wreaked havoc across the island, officials said.
Read More: $603 Million in losses as cyclone Montha slams India
The eastern and central regions were hit hardest, with over 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain recorded in 24 hours. Most fatalities were caused by landslides triggered by the extreme rainfall, while thousands of residents were stranded or forced to evacuate to safer locations.
According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 43,991 people were relocated to schools and public shelters nationwide. Rescue teams continue to reach isolated villages, though blocked roads and landslides have hampered relief efforts, Brigadier S. Dharmawickrema, Emergency Operations Director at the DMC, told Reuters.
At least 56 people are dead and 21 missing in Sri Lanka after floods and landslides destroyed homes.
Nearly 44,000 affected as Cyclone Ditwah nears.
Red flood alerts issued for Colombo and Kelani River valley. #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/VLceC0MppE
— BPI News (@BPINewsOrg) November 28, 2025
Schools across affected regions remain closed, train services have been suspended, and the Colombo Stock Exchange halted trading early as the storm persists. Authorities warned that Cyclone Ditwah could intensify over the next 12 hours, potentially exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilake said Sri Lanka may divert incoming flights to Trivandrum or Cochin in south India if conditions worsen. Local media reported that six flights from Muscat, Dubai, New Delhi, and Bangkok were already redirected from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
Read More: Cyclone looms near as deep depression forms in Arabian Sea
Emergency teams, along with military and volunteer groups, are working to provide food, water, and medical aid to affected communities. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and follow official warnings as the cyclone moves across the island, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing relief and rescue operations.