Cyclone Ditwah brought record rainfall to Sri Lanka from 27 November. Landslides tore through the hilly centre of the island, and overflowing rivers flooded whole towns.
By 30 November, 334 people had died and nearly 400 were missing. More than 1.3 million people were affected. It was the worst disaster to hit the island since the 2004 tsunami.
We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka
Power, water and roads cut off
The president declared a state of emergency and asked for international help. Nearly 200,000 people moved into 1,275 shelters. In the east, floodwater breached the dam of the Mavil Aru reservoir, and the air force airlifted more than 120 people to safety.
Floods swept away power lines and transformers. Officials said power, water and communications would be restored gradually over the following days.
What clean water changes after a cyclone
- Health: safe water in crowded shelters prevents disease.
- Safety: well-built dams protect the villages below them.
- Recovery: restored supply lets families return home.
How you can help
Share this story and follow charities supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery. Tell someone about the families rebuilding after the island’s worst disaster in two decades.
Source: ARY News / AFP, “Death toll from Sri Lanka floods, landslides rises to 334”, 30 November 2025; DZRH / Reuters, “Death toll hits 212 as Sri Lanka struggles with Cyclone Ditwah impact”, 30 November 2025; LMD / Reuters, 30 November 2025.
