On 28 November 2025, Sri Lanka was struck by Cyclone Ditwah, a powerful storm that unleashed widespread flooding across the island nation. According to new geospatial analysis conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the cyclone inundated more than 1.1 million hectares of land—nearly 20 percent of Sri Lanka’s total land area. The disaster has left an estimated 2.3 million people living in flood‑affected regions, with women making up more than half of those impacted.
Humanitarian Impact: Millions Displaced and Vulnerable
The sheer scale of the flooding has created a humanitarian emergency. Families across multiple provinces have seen their homes submerged, forcing many to seek shelter in temporary camps or with relatives in safer areas. Women and children are among the most vulnerable, facing heightened risks of disease, malnutrition, and gender‑based violence in the aftermath of the disaster.
Local reports indicate that thousands of households have lost access to clean drinking water, while sanitation facilities have been destroyed. Schools and health centers in flood‑hit districts remain closed, disrupting education and limiting access to essential medical services.
Damage to Infrastructure and Essential Services
Cyclone Ditwah’s impact goes beyond immediate displacement. The UNDP analysis highlights significant damage to roads, bridges, power lines, and communication networks, cutting off communities from relief supplies and emergency services.
- Transport: Floodwaters washed away key highways and rural roads, making it difficult for aid agencies to reach remote villages.
- Energy: Power outages have affected large swathes of the country, with electricity infrastructure requiring urgent repair.
- Healthcare: Hospitals in affected districts are overwhelmed, struggling to treat both flood‑related injuries and routine medical needs.
- Agriculture: Vast tracts of farmland have been submerged, raising concerns about food security in the coming months.
Scale of Flooding: 1.1 Million Hectares Underwater
The UNDP’s geospatial mapping shows that 1.1 million hectares of land were inundated, equivalent to nearly one‑fifth of Sri Lanka’s territory. This includes agricultural zones, urban settlements, and coastal areas. The flooding has not only displaced communities but also disrupted livelihoods, particularly for farmers and fisherfolk who depend on natural resources for survival.
The destruction of crops and fisheries threatens to trigger a secondary crisis—food shortages and rising prices. For a country already grappling with economic challenges, the cyclone’s impact could deepen vulnerabilities and slow recovery.
Government and International Response
The Sri Lankan government has mobilized emergency teams to provide relief, including food, water, and medical supplies. Temporary shelters have been set up in schools and community centers, while military units are assisting with rescue operations.
International organizations, including the UNDP, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme (WFP), are coordinating with local authorities to deliver aid. Relief efforts are focused on:
- Supplying clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.
- Distributing food rations to displaced families.
- Providing medical care and vaccinations to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
- Supporting women and children with psychosocial services and protection measures.
Gendered Impact: Women Bear the Brunt
The UNDP report emphasizes that women make up more than half of the affected population. In disaster situations, women often face disproportionate challenges:
- Health risks: Pregnant women and mothers with young children struggle to access healthcare.
- Economic losses: Women engaged in small‑scale farming, fisheries, and informal labor have lost income sources.
- Safety concerns: Displacement increases risks of gender‑based violence and exploitation.
Humanitarian agencies are working to ensure that relief programs are gender‑sensitive, addressing the specific needs of women and girls.
Lessons for Disaster Preparedness
Cyclone Ditwah underscores the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and climate resilience in Sri Lanka. The country, located in the Indian Ocean, is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones, floods, and rising sea levels.
Key lessons include:
- Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Communities need timely alerts to evacuate before floods strike.
- Investing in Resilient Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and power systems must be built to withstand extreme weather.
- Improving Blood Bank and Health Safety Protocols: Ensuring hospitals remain functional during disasters is critical.
- Community Awareness: Local training programs can empower residents to respond effectively during emergencies.
Climate Change Connection
Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of tropical cyclones in South Asia. Warmer ocean temperatures fuel stronger storms, while rising sea levels increase the risk of coastal flooding.
Sri Lanka’s experience with Cyclone Ditwah is a reminder that climate adaptation is no longer optional—it is essential. Investments in green infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and disaster‑resilient housing will be crucial to protect communities from future storms.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Resilience
While immediate relief efforts are underway, long‑term recovery will require rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and repairing infrastructure. International donors are expected to play a key role in financing reconstruction.
The UNDP has called for a comprehensive recovery plan that integrates climate resilience, gender equality, and sustainable development. Such a plan would not only address the current crisis but also prepare Sri Lanka for future disasters.
Conclusion
Cyclone Ditwah has left a profound mark on Sri Lanka, affecting 2.3 million people and inundating 1.1 million hectares of land. The disaster has exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, healthcare, and disaster preparedness, while highlighting the disproportionate impact on women and children.
As relief operations continue, the challenge ahead is clear: Sri Lanka must rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. The tragedy of Cyclone Ditwah is not just a story of destruction—it is a call to action for climate resilience, equitable recovery, and global solidarity.
