Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka four months ago, on 28 November 2025, causing heavy flooding and multiple landslides across the country. It was one of the worst disasters to strike the island in more than 20 years, affecting 2.3 million people, with 639 confirmed dead, and 193 reported missing in all 25 districts.

When the cyclone struck, those who had multistorey homes moved everything they could to safety and immediately evacuated while others fled to temples, schools or community centres that allowed them to seek temporary refuge.

The worst affected areas were Puttalam District in the north-west, as well as Kilinochchi District in the north. Unfortunately, the damage inflicted was greater than anyone could have imagined.

Roughly 1.1 million hectares, which is 20% of the land mass of Sri Lanka, was flooded, approximately 1,200 landslides were triggered, more than 5,300 houses were fully destroyed and over 81,000 houses were damaged.

Moreover, many homes were buried under thick layers of mud and debris as a result of the landslides; many victims lost access to necessities such as food, water, gas and firewood; and many children lost their books and school supplies.

Personal stories

A woman and her family who live in Kotikawatta, a suburb of Colombo that floods frequently, was greatly impacted by the floods. When she has experienced flooding in the past, she and her family have gone to Galle to stay with her sister until the storm has subsided.

A car mechanic from Badulla District, the central hill region, told Harbingers’ that he and his family immediately evacuated to a nearby temple for shelter. Within a few days, the Red Cross provided them with tents, food, clean water, blankets and the hope that they could rebuild their lives.

“Our home was completely destroyed and my children lost their schoolbooks and supplies,” he said.

International assistance