Cyclone Ditwah Joint Rapid Needs Assessment: Phase II, December 2025

1.1 Scale and Scope of Impact

Cyclone Ditwah triggered one of Sri Lanka’s most severe humanitarian crises in the past two decades, affecting 25 districts and multiple Divisional Secretariat (DS) divisions. Approximately 2.3 million people were impacted, including over 522,000 children, 263,000 elderly, and 21,200 pregnant women. Casualties range between 410 639 deaths, with hundreds missing. The hardest hit areas include Colombo and Gampaha (Western Province), Batticaloa, Ampara, and Trincomalee (Eastern Province), Mannar and Mullaitivu (Northern Province), and the central highlands of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. These regions experienced extensive infrastructure damage, displacement of over 233,000 individuals, and significant environmental losses.

This Joint Rapid Needs Assessment (JRNA) Phase II builds on the initial rapid assessment conducted in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone, which contained largely secondary data. Phase II incorporates primary data collection, complemented by geospatial exposure analysis, f indings from other assessments and insights from experts, and provides sector-specific short- and medium-term priorities. The report provides an understanding of the extent of damage, most affected populations and will help determine short and medium-tern needs. The JRNA report also establishes a baseline to guide the prioritization of interventions and monitor recovery progress.