As many as 56 people were killed as torrential rains, floods and landslides from Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka. Authorities said over 43,900 people from 12,313 families have been affected by the extreme weather.
Local media reported the death toll could rise above 100. Severe conditions disrupted daily life, with road closures and rail suspensions across the country. Heavy rains affected operations at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, forcing diversion of 15 flights.
Widespread power outages were reported, affecting around seven million consumers, and telecom services were disrupted. The irrigation department warned residents in low-lying northern parts of Colombo near the Kelani River to evacuate, saying the area could face its worst flooding in the nation’s history.
Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant will be deployed for rescue operations after Sri Lanka formally requested its use. The carrier had recently docked in Colombo on November 25–26 for port calls as part of preparations for the International Fleet Review 2025, scheduled for November 30.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and announced relief supplies. “My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families,” he wrote on Twitter. He said India has urgently dispatched relief materials and HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu and stands ready to provide more aid as the situation evolves.
