Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka : Death Toll Rises to 153, Hundreds Missing; Indian Rescue Teams Assist Stranded Nationals

Colombo, Nov 2025 : The death toll from severe weather caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has risen to 153, while at least 191 people remain missing as rescue operations continue across the island nation, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Sri Lanka is facing widespread disruption due to heavy rains, flooding, and persistent landslides, with multiple districts still reeling from the cyclone’s impact. Reports from the Daily Mirror indicate that over 774,724 individuals from 217,263 families in 25 districts have been affected, and many areas remain overwhelmed by rising floodwaters and landslides.

The DMC further reported that 100,898 people from 27,494 families are currently taking shelter in 798 evacuation centres nationwide as authorities work tirelessly to provide relief and ensure the safety of displaced residents. Communication challenges in some of the hardest-hit regions have complicated rescue and coordination efforts.

The President’s Media Division said that Sri Lanka’s telecommunications operators have agreed to prioritise emergency calls to reduce network congestion and improve response efficiency. Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve starting Sunday.

Meanwhile, Indian rescue teams are actively assisting Sri Lankan authorities, coordinating with the Air Force, Navy, Army, Police, and local first responders. Evacuations, supply delivery, and emergency support are ongoing throughout the affected areas. Two Indian Navy helicopters successfully rescued eight people trapped by rising floodwaters in Pannala, with four helicopters currently engaged in nationwide rescue operations, including two operating from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The rescued individuals were safely transported to secure locations and handed over to local authorities.

The impact of Cyclone Ditwah has also stranded nearly 300 Indian nationals, including more than 60 Keralites, at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Flight disruptions caused by the cyclone left many passengers without sufficient food, water, or basic amenities. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging urgent intervention to evacuate the stranded passengers.

A video message from some stranded Keralites highlighted the lack of facilities and uncertainty faced by travelers, many of whom were on brief transit stops in Colombo. Acting Indian High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey visited the airport, providing food and water and assuring the stranded passengers that the Government of India is facilitating their safe return. The Indian High Commission has also shared a registration link and emergency helpline (94 773727832, available on WhatsApp) for Indians in distress. Evacuation flights by the Indian Air Force and commercial airlines are underway, ensuring that all stranded Indians will return home promptly.

Cyclone Ditwah has caused extensive rainfall and wind damage, severely disrupting air travel in the region. Several flights by IndiGo and SriLankan Airlines were cancelled, diverted, or delayed, including five flights on Friday alone, which were redirected to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to the adverse weather. Authorities in India and Sri Lanka are coordinating to restore normalcy and ensure the safe repatriation of stranded passengers while continuing relief efforts for those affected by the cyclone.

The humanitarian response remains a priority as Sri Lanka battles ongoing floods, landslides, and the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with international cooperation playing a key role in rescue and relief operations.