Sri Lanka Capital Flooded, Cyclone Deaths Rise to Nearly 200

Entire areas of Sri Lanka's capital were flooded on Sunday after a powerful cyclone triggered heavy rains and mudslides across the island

sarah

Nov 30, 2025 - 15:13

Sri Lanka Capital Flooded, Cyclone Deaths Rise to Nearly 200

Flooding ravaged parts of Sri Lanka's capital on Sunday as a powerful cyclone brought heavy rains and mudslides across the island. Officials reported that nearly 200 people had died and dozens were missing.

Officials said the extent of damage in the country's hardest-hit central region was still being assessed, as rescue workers were clearing roads blocked by fallen trees and mudslides.

The Disaster Management Center (DMC) said at least 193 people had died and 228 were missing in a week of heavy rains caused by Cyclone Ditwaha.

The DMC said that the rapid rise in water levels in the Kelani River caused flooding in northern parts of Colombo.

"Although the cyclone has moved away, heavy rains upstream have now inundated low-lying areas along the Kelani River," a DMC official said.

Cyclone Ditwaha moved towards India on Saturday.

Selvi, 46, a resident of Colombo's Wennawatte area, emerged from her flooded home on Sunday carrying four bags of clothes and valuables.

"My house is completely submerged. I don't know where to go, but I hope there's somewhere safe I can take my family," she said.

Water levels were receding in the town of Manampitiya, 250 kilometers (156 miles) northeast of Colombo, revealing widespread devastation.

"Manampitiya is prone to flooding, but I've never seen so much water," said S. Sivanandan, a 72-year-old resident.

He told the local news center portal that businesses and property had suffered significant damage. A car overturned right in front of his shop.

- The deadliest in years -

Although injuries have been low, the National Blood Transfusion Service said there is a shortage.

Blood bank chief Lakshman Edirisinghe said they needed about 1,500 units of blood daily, but the weather had reduced supplies to just 236 units on Saturday.

"Due to flooding and heavy rain, we were unable to conduct our mobile blood collection campaign," he told reporters in Colombo. "We appeal to donors to visit the nearest blood bank."

The National Building Research Organization, which monitors hillside strength, said the risk of further landslides was high as mountain slopes were still filled with rainwater.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency on Saturday to deal with the aftermath of the cyclone and appealed for international assistance.

India was the first to respond, sending two helicopters with relief supplies and crews for rescue missions. Officials said two more helicopters were expected to join on Sunday.

According to the Sri Lankan Air Force, Pakistan was also sending rescue teams. Japan said it would immediately send a team to assess the needs and promised further assistance.

The severe weather has destroyed more than 25,000 homes, forcing 147,000 people to live in government-run temporary shelters.

An additional 968,000 people displaced by the floods are in need of assistance.

Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel have been deployed, along with civilians and volunteers, to assist in relief efforts.

This cyclone is Sri Lanka's deadliest natural disaster since 2017, when floods and landslides killed more than 200 people and left millions homeless.

The worst flood since the turn of the century occurred in June 2003, when 254 people died.