Sri Lanka is going through one of the most difficult moments in its history. The country was hit by Cyclone Ditwah, which triggered the worst floods in decades, highlighting the fragility of entire communities in situations of extreme weather events. The lack of infrastructure to deal with the consequences of the cyclone had both structural consequences, with damage to communities that will take a long time to repair, and human consequences, due to loss of life and the precarious situation of many after the event.
Cyclone Ditwah intensifies destruction and reveals national vulnerability
In recent days, the notion of the high impact of Cyclone Ditwah has begun to take shape, due to the scale of the disasters caused and the speed with which this damage has spread. According to the UN Office for Humanitarian Coordination (OCHA), nearly one million people, a total of 998,918 residents from all 25 districts, were affected. Of this total, 212 lost their lives, while another 218 remain missing. The scene is one of general devastation, with more than 180,000 people seeking shelter.
The cyclone struck the country on November 28 before returning to the Bay of Bengal, causing a major series of severe floods, the worst in decades. Districts such as Gampaha, Colombo, Puttalam, and Mannar are among the hardest hit, while violent landslides batter the central mountainous region, devastating towns like Kandy, Badulla, and Matale.
Some preliminary assessments estimate that more than 15,000 homes have been destroyed, and various other urban infrastructures have been damaged. Hundreds of roads are impassable, bridges are destroyed, and sections of the railway system and the power grid have suffered interruptions. The situation is most critical in the north, with entire villages without access to electricity, telephone service, or even potable water.
Isolated regions struggle for water, healthcare, and food amidst the chaos
Among the crises facing the country, public health is one of the most impactful on the population. The sector, already fragile before the tragedy, is now collapsing due to increased demand and damaged infrastructure, with district hospitals still flooded and operating with limited supplies.
Furthermore, recurring landslides and the collapse of containment structures, such as tanks and dams — including the one in Mavilaaru — increase the risks in regions like Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Many crops were submerged, and warehouses were destroyed, also increasing the chances of a food shortage crisis and consequent price increases in the coming weeks.
Health risks surge as flooding deepens humanitarian crisis
The World Health Organization has issued urgent warnings about the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases, contaminated food, and unsafe water. The recommendation is to avoid bites, ensure food safety, and drink only treated water.
In Colombo, the effects of the Kelani River overflowing continue to force entire families to abandon their homes. Selvi, a 46-year-old resident, left her flooded home carrying only a few bags of clothes and personal items:
“My house is completely flooded. I don’t know where to go, but I hope there is some safe shelter where I can take my family”.
Rescue efforts are increasing, but are showing their limits in the face of the magnitude of the disaster
While Sri Lanka struggles to cope with the full aftermath of the disaster, the humanitarian aid response intensifies. The UN has activated its emergency coordination system to align actions with the government and humanitarian organizations.
Cyclone Ditwah came and left traces of its impact in its wake, with human, structural, and emotional tragedies. Amidst the destruction, however, inspiring stories of solidarity, resilience, and international support are also emerging. The country still has a long way to go, but it is already showing its strength in the face of adversity once again.
