Nation on Alert: Cyclone Ditwah Leaves Trail of Destruction Across Sri Lanka
- Thiloththama Jayasinghe
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Thiloththama Jayasinghe , Editor
Cyclone Ditwah: Sri Lanka Faces Worsening Floods as Death Toll Rises; Over 373,000 Affected Sri Lanka is continuing to endure the unbearable weather conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has taken over the island for several days now. The storm, which first emerged in the Bay of Bengal during the early phase of the week, moved within close range of the eastern coast near Trincomalee before shifting north–northwest. Although slowly weakening, the system brought days of heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread flooding, causing extensive damage across several districts.
Time Line of Weather: What Happened in the Past Few Days
November 26–27: Heavy Rains Begin
Continuous rainfall began across several provinces early in the week, with the Northern, Eastern and Central regions reporting the first wave of severe showers.
Early warnings were issued from the Irrigation Department due to rising water levels in rivers and reservoirs.
November 28: Conditions Worsen
Torrential rain, flash floods, and landslides have occurred in many areas by Wednesday.
The DMC initiated the transfer of families from flood-prone areas in districts like Kandy, Badulla, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Trincomalee, and Gampaha.
29th November: Cyclone passes Sri Lanka
This morning, officials confirmed Cyclone Ditwah had passed the island’s eastern side but continues to influence the weather.
While some areas may see a slight reduction in rain tomorrow, which is the 30th, strong winds and scattered showers will continue.
Today’s Forecast and Warnings
The Meteorology Department reports that:
• Northern, North-Central, Central North-Western Provinces and Trincomalee District may exceed 200 mm.
• Sabaragamuwa, Western, Galle and Matara districts may get over 150 mm.
• Strong winds of 60–70 km/h and gusts up to 80–90 km/h are likely island-wide.
Officials continue to urge the public to remain alert, securing all loose items, avoiding unnecessary travel, and moving to safe locations if flooding occurs.
Major Human Impact Across the Island
According to the latest (9 a.m.) update from the Disaster Management Center:
• 123 deaths have been reported.
• 130 people are missing.
• 373,428 people from 102,877 families have been affected in 25 districts.
• 43,925 people from 13,690 families are staying in 488 shelters.
District Breakdown
• Kandy: 51 deaths, 67 missing
• Badulla: 35 deaths, 27 missing
• Matale: 8 deaths
Many of the casualties are linked with landslides, collapsing structures, and rapid flooding during the past two days.
High-Risk Flood Warning for Maha Oya Basin
Heavy rain in upper catchment areas has prompted the Irrigation Department to issue a severe flood warning for low-lying areas of the Maha Oya Basin. Authorities warn the public to expect flood levels not seen in recent years and urge residents in vulnerable areas to relocate immediately.
International Aid Arrives
An Indian rescue team arrived in Sri Lanka this morning to support the relief efforts.
The team comprises 76 men, 4 women and four sniffer dogs, besides sophisticated rescue equipment.
They will help Sri Lankan responders to locate missing persons, evacuate trapped families, and distribute emergency aid in hard-hit areas.
Ankumbura landslide raises fears over casualties; rescue access still blocked
A landslide has hit the Ankumbura area in the Alawathugoda Police Division, amidst the unfavorable weather conditions prevailing in a majority of the island.
The incident happened in the Rambuk Ela area on the Ankumbura–Alawathugoda road, according to police.
Preliminary reports indicate the landslide has caused considerable displacement and possible loss of life; however, police say no confirmed details in regards to casualties and the number of missing have been verified at this time.
Early information obtained from the residents indicated that approximately 800 families live in the village and a large number of people are reported missing.
The rescue and relief teams have not been able to reach the site so far because access routes were blocked and dangerous conditions persist.
Further investigations are being carried out by the Alawathugoda Police, as rescue teams attempt to access the zone.
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