Cyclone Ditwah

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Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
ArrowUp.svg Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

At 18:00 UTC on 26 November 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) began to track a depression formed from a well marked low just offshore the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, due to favourable conditions such as high sea surface temperatures and mid-level vertical wind shear being low (10–15 knots). [1] The depression would intensify further, first into a deep depression at 00:00 UTC on 27 November, then into a Cyclonic Storm at 06:00 UTC, when it received the name Ditwah, [2] the name provided by Yemen, referring to the Detwah Lagoon on Socotra Island. Ditwah's clouds soon became increasingly organised into a curved band pattern. [2]

Over the next few days, Ditwah crossed Sri Lanka while maintaining cyclonic storm intensity, then moved into the Bay of Bengal on 29 November and headed northward. Ditwah slightly intensified once back over water, before beginning to weaken on 30 November due to increased wind shear, inflow of dry air, and cooler sea-surface temperatures. Later that day, Ditwah weakened to a deep depression at 12:00 UTC. [3] [4] [5] The system then continued to slowly parallel the coast of Southern India as a Deep Depression into the first day of December. [6]

Impact

Cyclonic Storm Ditwah
GsgshsgafaD (1).png
Ditwah near peak intensity on 29 November
Casualties by country
CountryDeathsInjuriesMissingDamage
(USD)
Sri Lanka
391
18
352
Unknown
India
3
3
UnknownUnknown
Total39421352Unknown

Sri Lanka

Heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka, resulting in at least 390 deaths, more than 14 injuries [7] and 352 missing persons. [8] Additionally, a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter crashed in Wennappuwa during relief operations, killing the pilot and injuring four others. [9] There were 88 deaths and 150 missing in Kandy District, 82 deaths and 48 missing in Badulla District, 75 deaths and 62 missing in Nuwara Eliya District, 52 deaths and 27 missing in Kurunegala District, 24 deaths and 6 missing in Matale District, and 69 deaths and 59 missing elswehere. [8]

A landslide in Gangoda village buried 20 people. [10] Three people were killed in Sainthamaruthu, Ampara District after their car was swept away by floodwaters. [11] Reservoirs and rivers overflowed, blocking roads, and key roads connecting affected provinces were closed. The military rescued 69 people from a flooded bus in Anuradhapura District. [12] A dam on the Mavil Aru in Trincomalee District was breached in around ten places, and residents were evacuated. [13] Authorities stopped trains in some areas in the mountainous region after mud, rocks and trees fell onto railway tracks, with some of them being inundated by floodwaters. [14] Severe weather caused widespread power outages, affecting 25 to 30 per cent of the region. Two major hydropower plants, Kotmale and Rantambe, were shut down after a power cable failure. Scores of houses were destroyed, leaving thousands homeless. According to latest sources, as many as 1,156,860 individuals, spanning 318,252 families were affected by the widespread flooding, [15] while 59,266 families took shelter in 1,529 emergency centres. [16] Nearly 300 people were left stranded at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo for three days after multiple flights were cancelled. [17]

India

Authorities cancelled 83 flights at Chennai International Airport and closed schools in Tamil Nadu ahead of the cyclone's approach. [18] [19] A red alert was issued for some parts of Tamil Nadu. [20] At least three people and as many as 149 cattle were killed in rain-related incidents caused by Ditwah in Tamil Nadu. Two people were killed when walls collapsed in Thoothukudi and Thanjavur, while a 20-year-old died from electrocution in Mayiladuthurai. Three others were also injured. 57,000 hectares of farmland were affected, and 234 huts were damaged. [21] [22] Heavy rainfall was also reported in parts of Andhra Pradesh. [23] Telangana experienced a sharp chill for days due to temperatures dropping from the cyclone. [24]

Aftermath

Indian Air Force Ilyushin Il-76MD.jpg
Operation Sagar Bandhu.jpg
Indian Air Force Lockheed C-130J Hercules.jpg
Operation Sagar Bandhu 2.jpg
Indian Air Force Il-76MD and C-130J aircraft preparing for relief operations in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency and the Sri Lanka Armed Forces deployed 25,000+ personnel for relief work. This included SAR missions using Bell 212, Bell 206, Bell 412 and Mil Mi-17 helicopters, surveillance operations using KA-360ER and airlifting dry rations, HADR reequipments using Y-12 of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Unicorn/Uni Buffel vehicles, WMZ/BTR vehicles of the Sri Lanka Army and naval boats of the Sri Lanka Navy. [25] [26] [27] [28]

India sent two aircraft from the Indian Air Force to Sri Lanka: an Ilyushin Il-76MD and a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, with over 80 personnel and relief supplies and rescue equipment from the National Disaster Response Force to Colombo under Operation Sagar Bandhu. [29] [30] In total, India dispatched two Aérospatiale Alouette III and Mil Mi-17 helicopters. [31] India also deployed aircraft carriers INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, and INS Sukanya for search and rescue operations, the latter carrying relief materials. [32]

Pakistan deployed PNS Saif (F253)'s Harbin Z-9 for search and rescue operations in Sri Lanka. Pakistan also finalised arrangements to send relief aid and a rescue team to Sri Lanka. The relief package includes essential support items such as rescue boats, life jackets, and dewatering pumps. [33]

SpaceX satellite constellation and internet service Starlink provided free service to new and existing customers through the end of December and worked with the Sri Lankan government to provide additional assistance. [34] [ non-primary source needed ]

Humanitarian response

CountryNotes
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia Australia pledged AUD 1 million to support immediate response and recovery efforts in Sri Lanka following the devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah. Funding will be directed toward urgent relief for affected communities. [35]
Flag of Japan.svg Japan The Government of Japan decided to dispatch an assessment team to Sri Lanka through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in response to the massive damages in Sri Lanka caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The team, which consists of four members including JICA staff and medical personnel, will monitor medical needs on the ground, and coordinate the possible dispatch of a Japanese Disaster Relief team. [36]
Flag of Nepal.svg   Nepal Nepal extended its condolences to Sri Lanka over the floods and announced US$200,000 in assistance for relief and recovery efforts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying "Nepal stands firmly with Sri Lanka during this difficult time." [37]
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates The UAE initiated an urgent humanitarian response on December 1, 2025, for communities affected by floods in Sri Lanka. This operation, coordinated by the UAE Aid Agency and the Emirates Red Crescent, includes search and rescue operations and the supply of essential relief, including food, shelter materials, and medicine.
Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States The United States pledged $2 million to assist urgent relief efforts in Sri Lanka. In a post on X, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung stated: “Sri Lanka is facing difficult days as communities continue to be affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with heavy rains & flooding in many areas. The United States stands in solidarity with Sri Lanka. Today, we are committing $2 million to support urgent relief efforts.” [38]
Flag of Maldives.svg Maldives The Maldives launched a national telethon through Public Service Media (PSM) to assist Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. By the second day of the campaign, contributions had reached MVR 5.4 million (approximately US$350,000). Donations were collected via a special Bank of Maldives account and collection boxes in Malé. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, thanked President Mohamed Muizzu and the Maldivian people, noting that the Maldives was the first country to respond to Colombo’s aid request. Contributions included MVR 300,000 from the ruling PNC parliamentary group, US$25,000 from Bank of Maldives, MVR 250,000 from Stelco, US$200,000 from Sun Siyam Group, MVR 100,000 from Road Development Corporation employees, and US$10,001 from Crown & Champa Resorts. [39] [40]
Flag of the United Nations.svg United Nations United Nations entities such as UNICEF coordinated their disaster relief efforts with government agencies and humanitarian organisations to provide food, shelter and emergency assistance. [41] The United Nations in Sri Lanka also called for the activiation of the emergency coordination system in order to mobilize its teams to support relief efforts. [42]

See also

References

  1. ↑ rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in. 26 November 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251126215156/https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/archive/2/2_0e5bdc_TROPICAL_CYCLONE_ADVISORY_NO.7_based_1800_UTC_of_26.11.2025.pdf. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 November 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2025.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. 1 2 web.archive.org https://web.archive.org/web/20251127162606/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/cyclone.php. Archived from the original on 27 November 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2025.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. ↑ "DEMS-RSMC special tropical cyclones New Delhi dated 29.11.2025". mausam.imd.gov.in. Archived from the original on 29 November 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  4. ↑ "Regional specialised meteorological centre-tropical cyclones, New Delhi tropical cyclone advisory". mausam.imd.gov.in. Archived from the original on 30 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  5. ↑ "Cyclone". mausam.imd.gov.in. Archived from the original on 30 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  6. ↑ "DEMS-RSMC special tropical cyclones New Delhi dated 1.12.2025". mausam.imd.gov.in. Archived from the original on 1 December 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  7. ↑ "Death toll from Sri Lanka landslides and floods rises to 69". Al Jazeera. 28 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  8. 1 2 "Situation Report on 2025.12.01 at 18.00 p.m" (PDF). Disaster Management Centre. 1 December 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  9. ↑ "Air Force pilot killed in helicopter crash in Wennappuwa". Daily Mirror. 30 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  10. ↑ "Death toll due to adverse weather climbs to 47 in Sri Lanka, 21 missing". Ada Derana. 27 November 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
  11. ↑ "Three killed as car topples into canal in Sainthamaruthu". Newswire. 27 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  12. ↑ "Sri Lanka Declares Emergency As Cyclone Ditwah Death Count Hits 132". NDTV. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  13. ↑ "Sri Lanka's Mavil Aru Reservoir bund breached in multiple places". EconomyNext. 30 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  14. ↑ "Heavy rains trigger landslides and floods in Sri Lanka, leaving more than 40 dead". Associated Press . 27 November 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
  15. ↑ "334 Dead, 370 Missing in Sri Lanka Flood Catastrophe". News First . 30 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  16. ↑ "Over 80 dead as Cyclone Ditwah triggers massive flooding, landslides in Sri Lanka". Hindustan Times. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  17. ↑ "Cyclone Ditwah live updates: 300 Indian passengers stranded in Colombo". Hindustan Times. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  18. ↑ "54 Flights Cancelled, Schools Shut: Cyclone Ditwah Affects Tamil Nadu". NDTV. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  19. ↑ "Cyclone Ditwah live updates: 35 flights to and from Chennai cancelled on Saturday, 47 flights on Sunday". Hindustan Times. 29 November 2025.
  20. ↑ "Cyclone Ditwah live updates: Red alert in parts of Tamil Nadu". Hindustan Times. 29 November 2025.
  21. ↑ "Cyclone Ditwah: 3 killed as heavy rains lash Tamil Nadu, 234 huts damaged". Hindustan Times. 30 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  22. ↑ "Cyclone Ditwah live updates: IMD issues yellow alert across various districts of T.N., Puducherry". The Hindu . 30 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  23. ↑ "Cyclone Ditwah Tracker Live: 3 dead in Tamil Nadu; flight services hit at Chennai airport amid heavy rainfall". The Times of India . 30 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  24. ↑ "Telangana Sees Sharp Chill as Temps Dip Due to Cyclone Ditwah". Deccan Chronicle. 30 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  25. ↑ "Sri Lanka declares State of Public Emergency". TV Derana. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  26. ↑ "SLAF Bell 212 rescues three persons stranded by floods in Mahawa (Ella)". Sri Lanka Air Force. 27 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  27. ↑ "Sri Lanka Army Continues Rescue and Relief Operations for People Affected by the Emergency Disaster Situation". Sri Lanka Army. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  28. ↑ "Sri Lanka Navy mobilizes for ongoing disaster relief following adverse weather". Sri Lanka Navy. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  29. ↑ "Cyclone Ditwah live updates: India dispatches 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Colombo". Hindustan Times. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  30. ↑ "Cyclone Ditwah live updates: IAF IL-76 arrives in Sri Lanka". Hindustan Times. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  31. ↑ "Cyclone Ditwah:India sends relief items, rescue teams to Sri Lanka". Hindustan Times. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  32. ↑ "India sends more relief to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah". The Hindu . 29 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  33. ↑ "Pakistan to send mobile field hospital to provide medical care for flood victims in Sri Lanka". Ada Derana. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  34. ↑ "Indonesia and Sri Lanka Flood Response". Starlink. 29 November 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  35. ↑ "Australia Pledges AUD 1 Million for Sri Lanka's Flood Relief". News First. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  36. ↑ "'Ditwah' Disaster Relief: Govt. of Japan Steps Forward". News First. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  37. ↑ "Govt expresses sorrow over devastating floods in Sri Lanka". The Himalayan Times. 30 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  38. ↑ "US pledges $2 million to support Sri Lanka flood relief efforts". Ada Derana. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  39. ↑ "Maldives rallies to aid Sri Lanka in wake of deadly floods". Etruth. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  40. ↑ "Maldives extends aid to storm-ravaged Sri Lanka offering cash and canned tuna in neighbourly gesture". Etruth. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  41. ↑ UN News, "Cyclone Ditwah brings worst flooding in decades to Sri Lanka, killing hundreds", 30 November 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  42. ↑ "Cyclone Ditwah brings worst flooding in decades to Sri Lanka, killing hundreds | UN News". news.un.org. 30 November 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
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