Fri Nov 28 04:50:58 UTC 2025: News Article:

Sri Lanka Grapples with Devastating Floods as Cyclone Ditwah Approaches

Colombo, Sri Lanka – November 28, 2025 – Sri Lanka is reeling from catastrophic flooding and strong winds that have claimed nearly 100 lives and left dozens missing. The severe weather, exacerbated by the impending Cyclone Ditwah, has triggered an island-wide “red alert” and prompted emergency responses from both the Sri Lankan and Indian governments.

Torrential rains over the past few days have inundated 20 of the country’s 25 districts, directly affecting over 60,000 families and 200,000 people. The eastern coast (Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee), the Central Province, and Uva Province have been particularly hard hit. In the hill country, where many of Sri Lanka’s poorest communities reside, frequent landslips further endanger lives and render roads inaccessible.

Harrowing accounts are emerging of vehicles swept away, families stranded, and people seeking refuge on rooftops. Authorities are struggling to cope with what is being described as the worst rainfall in recent years. Flood warnings have been issued for southern districts as rivers overflow and reservoirs swell. Schools and government offices (excluding essential services) were closed on Friday.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened an emergency meeting, urging parliamentarians to aid in relief distribution and ensure public safety. The government has announced compensation of LKR 1 million for the families of the deceased.

India has responded to Sri Lanka’s request for assistance by launching “Operation Sagar Bandhu,” providing relief materials and HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s solidarity, pledging further aid as needed. Helicopters from the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, currently docked in Colombo, have been deployed to assist in evacuation efforts.

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