Printed On 30 Nov 2025
Devastating floods have swept by means of components of capital Colombo as Sri Lanka reels from the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with the dying toll reaching 193 and 228 individuals nonetheless lacking, in accordance with the Catastrophe Administration Centre (DMC).
The cyclone’s weeklong heavy rains triggered widespread flooding and mudslides throughout the island, with the total extent of destruction within the central area solely now turning into obvious as reduction staff clear blocked roads.
“Though the cyclone has left us, heavy rains upstream are actually flooding low-lying areas alongside the banks of the Kelani River,” a DMC official mentioned, as northern components of the capital confronted rising floodwaters.
In Wennawatte, a Colombo suburb, 46-year-old Selvi fled her flooded dwelling carrying what possessions she might salvage. “My home is totally flooded. I have no idea the place to go, however I hope there’s some protected shelter the place I can take my household,” she instructed the AFP information company.
As floodwaters receded in Manampitiya, 250km (155 miles) northeast of Colombo, the dimensions of destruction grew to become seen.
“Manampitiya is a flood-prone city, however I’ve by no means seen such a quantity of water,” mentioned 72-year-old resident S Sivanandan, who described in depth injury to companies and property.
The catastrophe has created pressing medical wants, with blood provides critically low. Lakshman Edirisinghe, the blood financial institution chief, reported receiving solely 236 items on Saturday in opposition to a every day requirement of 1,500. “Due to floods and heavy rains, we have been unable to conduct our cell campaigns to gather blood,” he mentioned, urging donors to go to blood banks.
Officers warn of continuous landslide dangers as mountain slopes stay saturated with rainwater.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency on Saturday and appealed for worldwide help. India responded instantly with reduction provides and rescue helicopters, whereas Pakistan and Japan have additionally pledged help.
The cyclone has destroyed greater than 25,000 properties, forcing 147,000 individuals into short-term shelters, with one other 968,000 requiring help after being displaced. Army personnel are working alongside civilian responders within the enormous reduction effort.
This marks Sri Lanka’s deadliest pure catastrophe since 2017, when floods and landslides killed greater than 200 individuals. The nation’s worst flooding this century occurred in June 2003, killing 254 individuals.
