Cyclone Ditwah Ravages Sri Lanka as 123 Dead,130 Missing; India launches Operation Sagar Bandhu, Dispatches 12 Tons of Relief Aid

Sri Lanka is reeling from one of its worst natural disasters in recent years, with torrential rains and massive flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The cyclone has claimed at least 123 lives and left 130 people missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The island nation has been battered by a week of relentless rainfall that has destroyed homes, displaced tens of thousands, and triggered a nationwide emergency response.

Widespread Devastation Across the Island

The DMC reported that 43,995 people have been moved to state-run welfare centres after floodwaters engulfed homes across multiple provinces. The cyclone, which made landfall on Wednesday, unleashed record rainfall that continues to inundate low-lying areas.

Flooding worsened dramatically along the Kelani River, which burst its banks on Friday evening, forcing hundreds into temporary shelters. Authorities have issued urgent evacuation orders for residents living along the river’s edge.

Although rains have subsided in much of the country, parts of northern Sri Lanka are still experiencing showers due to the cyclone’s lingering effects. The scale of the destruction is expected to surpass the catastrophic floods of 2016, when 71 people lost their lives.

Since November 16, the adverse weather has damaged over 600 homes and completely destroyed at least four. More than 12,000 families have been affected across the Northern, Central, North-Western, North-Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Western Provinces.

The Sri Lankan military has been deployed nationwide, using helicopters and boats to rescue stranded residents.

India Provides Support: Operation Sagar Bandhu

As Sri Lanka struggles to cope with the escalating humanitarian crisis, India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a rapid disaster-relief effort aimed at providing lifesaving supplies and logistical support.

On Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the arrival of an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft in Colombo carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat meals.

This airlift comes on the heels of Friday’s arrival of the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and the INS Udaigiri warship, which delivered the first consignments of relief material to Sri Lankan authorities.

“Operation Sagar Bandhu unfolds,” Jaishankar said on X, noting that India remains committed to supporting its closest maritime neighbour during this crisis.

PM Modi Offers Condolences, Assures Continued Support

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life in Sri Lanka, reaffirming New Delhi’s readiness to provide additional assistance as required.

“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” Modi posted on X. He emphasised that India’s response is guided by the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, underscoring the strategic and humanitarian importance of Sri Lanka.

A Disaster of Historic Scale

Cyclone Ditwah’s toll is now the highest the country has seen since June last year, and officials warn that the flooding could exceed levels seen in 2016. Sri Lanka’s worst flooding this century occurred in 2003, when 254 people were killed—an ominous benchmark as water levels continue to rise in several regions.

With rescue operations ongoing and rainfall forecasts still grim for parts of the country, Sri Lanka faces a long road to recovery. But with international support mounting—led prominently by India—the nation is not confronting this disaster alone.