Relief Efforts and Aid Updates for Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka (As of November 30, 2025)
Cyclone Ditwah has caused catastrophic damage, with 153 confirmed deaths, 191 missing, over 500,000 affected, and 20,000+ homes destroyed across 20 districts. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a national state of emergency on November 29 to expedite aid distribution. Relief operations are led by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), with 20,500+ armed forces personnel deployed for rescues, evacuations, and supply delivery. Over 108,000 people are sheltered in ~800 relief centers, though access to remote areas remains challenging due to blocked roads and ongoing rains. International aid has surged, focusing on food, medical supplies, and search-and-rescue support.
Domestic Relief Efforts
- Military and DMC Coordination: Sri Lanka Army, Navy, and Air Force are using helicopters, boats, and drones for operations in hard-hit areas like Kandy (51 deaths) and Colombo suburbs. Over 43,000 families have sought shelter in 488 centers; 15,000+ homes assessed for damage.
- Power and Infrastructure: Ceylon Electricity Board restored power to 65% of affected areas (7 million initially impacted), but 35% remain offline. Schools and exams suspended; A-level tests postponed.
- Health and Welfare: Mobile medical camps treat flood-related illnesses; psychosocial support for survivors prioritized.
International Aid and Donations
India’s “Operation Sagar Bandhu” dominates, with rapid deployments underscoring neighborhood solidarity. Other nations and NGOs are contributing, with total aid exceeding 50 tons so far.
| Donor | Key Contributions | Details |
|---|---|---|
| India | 21+ tons relief materials, 80+ NDRF personnel, 8 tons equipment, 4 canines | C-130J (12 tons: tents, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat meals); IL-76 (9 tons supplies); INS Vikrant/Udaygiri (6.5 tons food, 4.5 tons dry rations, 2 tons fresh); INS Sukanya en route; 2 Chetak helicopters for rescues. PM Modi pledged more aid. |
| Pakistan | Food staples, MREs, dry rations, first-aid kits, medicines, emergency equipment | Delivered via PNS SAIF in Colombo; PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity. |
| USA | USD 2 million for emergency relief | Funds for food, water, and shelter; channeled via USAID. |
| Maldives | Humanitarian supplies (essentials, equipment) | Shipped to Colombo for immediate distribution. |
| NGOs (e.g., Islamic Relief USA) | Emergency aid mobilization | Donations to Global Humanitarian Aid Fund for food, shelter, and recovery; calls for public contributions. |
Latest Updates and Challenges
- November 29-30 Deployments: Indian teams arrived in Colombo early November 29, joining Sri Lankan forces for joint ops. Pakistan’s aid landed same day. US/Maldives shipments expected by November 30.
- Ongoing Needs: Urgent calls for more boats, generators, and medicines; 130+ villages still isolated. DMC reports rising relief demands as floods recede, revealing more damage.
- Public/Community Response: X posts highlight grassroots efforts, with calls for donations (e.g., via Red Cross). Sri Lankan leaders thanked India publicly, noting aid’s role in 2022 crisis recovery.
Forecasts indicate easing rains from December 1, aiding access. For donations, visit DMC or UN OCHA appeals. Monitor official channels for real-time needs—global solidarity is making a difference.