Cyclone Ditwah: Deadly, catastrophic floods devastate Sri Lanka
In the last week of November, Cyclone Ditwah made landfall over Sri Lanka, leading to a massive tragedy across the nation. Violent flooding and landslides occurred throughout the island, notably in the central highlands and low-lying districts, as torrential rains in some areas exceeded 300 mm in 24 hours.
According to the most recent estimates, as of November 29, 2025, at least 123 people have died, with more than 130 still missing. 44,000 individuals have been displaced, forced into temporary shelters in schools and public buildings amid rapidly rising waters.
Rapid government response as crisis deepens
Rescue teams involving the military, navy and national disaster agencies have been called on to evacuate residents. The catastrophic disaster has brought daily life to a standstill across large parts of the island. Government offices and schools remain closed, train services have been suspended, and flooded roads alongside washed-away bridges have cut off entire rural pockets.
Operation Sagar Bandhu: India emerges as first responder
India has emerged as the first and the largest country to extend humanitarian support to Sri Lanka. It has launched operation Sagar Bandhu. Under the operation, the Indian Air Force deployed C-130 and IL-76 aircraft carrying more than 21 tonnes of relief material, including tents, tarpaulins, medicines, food packets, water-purification systems, and emergency sanitation kits. Moreover, two specialised NDRF teams, including trained rescue dogs and inflatable boats, were flown in to support high-risk search and rescue operations in landslide-hit areas.
In addition, the Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri provided logistical reinforcement, delivering medical support and coordinating coastal relief distribution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming India’s commitment under the Neighbourhood First policy and assuring continued assistance as recovery and reconstruction unfold.
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