Death Toll Rises to 212 as Sri Lanka Grapples with Cyclone Ditwah Devastation

Addis Ababa, November 30, 2025 (FMC) — Sri Lanka is reeling from the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, with the death toll reaching 212 and 218 people reported missing, authorities said Sunday, as rescue efforts continue in the wake of widespread flooding and dam breaches.

Nearly a million people have been affected by the severe rains and floods that swept across the island, forcing nearly 200,000 residents into 1,275 emergency shelters, according to the Disaster Management Centre.

Record rainfall since last Thursday triggered landslides in the central highlands and caused rivers to overflow, submerging towns across the country.

Over 24,000 police, army, and air force personnel are involved in ongoing search and rescue operations to reach families stranded by rising waters. The Sri Lankan Air Force has airlifted more than 120 people to safety after floodwaters breached the dam at Mavil Aru Reservoir in the eastern region. Another 2,000 residents were moved to higher ground, according to a military statement.

Dozens of families remain trapped in their homes in Colombo, one of the hardest-hit areas, as floodwaters continue to rise. In suburbs such as Kelaniya, residents reported that although state agencies and charitable organizations have distributed food and supplies, aid has not yet reached many households, Reuters reported.

Currently, more than 17,000 people are taking shelter, waiting for floodwaters to recede before returning to their homes.