Cyclone Ditwah’s deadly rampage: 334 dead, 370 missing in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is grappling with the immense devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed 334 lives and left 370 people missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). More than 1.1 million people have been affected nationwide, and over 196,000 individuals have been displaced as floodwaters and landslides ravaged large parts of the island.

The central highlands emerged as the worst-hit region. Kandy, the most severely impacted district, reported 88 deaths and 150 missing persons, largely due to landslides and flash floods in densely populated hill settlements. Badulla recorded 71 deaths, while Nuwara Eliya and Matale reported 68 and 23 fatalities, respectively. Rising rivers reached historic highs, submerging towns, sweeping away bridges, and destroying critical infrastructure that has left several communities isolated.

With terrestrial communication networks damaged, technology played a crucial role in sustaining emergency operations. Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service, announced free connectivity for all new and existing users in affected parts of Sri Lanka and Indonesia through December 2025. Rescue teams relied on satellite terminals for real-time coordination, mapping, and communication where mobile towers and fibre links had collapsed.

India extended prompt support through Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft carrying disaster relief supplies and expert teams. The IAF’s C-17 aircraft transported more than 80 NDRF personnel, 21 tonnes of relief material, and 8 tonnes of specialised equipment from Pune to Colombo. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the mission underscores India’s commitment to assisting Sri Lanka during a severe humanitarian crisis.

As Sri Lanka shifts from emergency response to long-term recovery, the challenges ahead are substantial. Rebuilding washed-out infrastructure including roads, bridges, and public utilities will require significant time and resources. Tens of thousands of families who lost homes will need sustained support for relocation, housing, and livelihood restoration. Health risks such as dengue outbreaks, contaminated water, and poor sanitation are expected to rise, while damaged schools and public services may take months to fully resume.

Cyclone Ditwah has also highlighted critical lessons for the region. Experts stress the need for stronger early-warning systems, more resilient infrastructure, stricter land-use enforcement in high-risk zones, and dependable backup communication networks such as satellite internet. Enhanced regional cooperation and community-level preparedness will be essential as climate change continues to intensify extreme weather events in the Indian Ocean basin.