Attachments
A. SITUATION ANALYSIS
Description of the crisis
Cyclone Ditwah made landfall in Sri Lanka on 28 November 2025, resulting in intense rainfall, widespread landslide and flooding. According to the Disaster Management Centre of Sri Lanka, more than 1.7 million people were affected nationwide, with at least 108,879 households reported to be partially damaged and 6,018 households fully damaged. As of January 2026, 650 people are reported dead in 21 districts, with Kandy reporting the death of 243 people, and 173 are still missing in eight districts. Over 218,000 people from 61,000 families were evacuated to 1,564 safety centres; as of 31 January 2026, 6,680 people remained in 85 safety centres. The Government of Sri Lanka issued warnings of possible landslides due to intense rainfall as a result of the cyclone.
Rainfall exceeded 200 mm in 24 hours, reaching 540 mm in some districts. Access remains limited, with 200 roads and 22 bridges damaged. The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) mobilized 25 branches and 400 volunteers for assessments, first aid, and relief distribution. On 29 November, the President declared a nationwide state of emergency, which remains in effect, and activated the Essential Public Services Act to ensure continuity of critical services such as healthcare, water, electricity, and transport. These measures aim to stabilize the situation and coordinate disaster response amid widespread devastation. The Government of Sri Lanka mobilized security forces for rescue and evaluation. Additionally, the Government announced immediate relief packages for Cyclone Ditwah victims for household essentials, rent, and monthly aid, and for the reconstruction of damaged houses.