More than 1,000 people have lost their lives and thousands are still missing. Torrential rains caused the worst flooding in decades, triggering numerous landslides. Like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, Sri Lanka was among the countries hardest hit. Present in the country since 1992, HI responded to support the population in the face of this massive disaster.
Sri Lanka: 833,000 people displaced and more than 25,000 homes destroyed
Cyclone Ditwah ravaged Sri Lanka between November 28 and 30. It caused severe flooding and landslides in 25 districts, affecting more than 1.6 million people. Among them, 833,000 were displaced, and more than 25,000 homes were completely or partially destroyed. Many hospitals and health facilities were also severely damaged, and in areas where there were no landslides, agricultural areas were flooded, preventing people from harvesting their crops.
The districts of Puttalam, Gampaha, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa were among the hardest hit areas. According to the Disaster Management Center, as of December 29, 2025, the cyclone had caused 646 deaths and left 173 people missing.
The disaster severely disrupted access to drinking water, healthcare, and livelihoods. Poor hygiene greatly increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, malaria, and typhoid fever, while many people who were forced to flee lost their homes and tools.
National and international mobilisation in response to the disaster
On November 29, the Sri Lankan government declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance. The following day, HI teams conducted a rapid assessment in the affected areas, revealing urgent needs in rehabilitation, mental health, and hygiene.
An initial emergency response was launched in the districts of Kandy, Badulla, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa on December 8. This included rehabilitation services, psychosocial support, and assistance with basic needs. At the same time, hygiene kits and financial assistance were distributed to the most affected populations to meet their immediate needs.
All activities were implemented in partnership with local organizations working with HI.
"We hope to assist 6,000 people (1,500 households) by providing rehabilitation care, technical aid, and psychosocial support. We also distribute first aid kits and various items such as sheets, mosquito nets, stoves, cups, cleaning supplies, and hygiene kits. We will also advise those affected on the assistance they can obtain and which services to contact. We will give priority to people with disabilities, single mothers with children, the elderly, children, and adolescent girls. HI will specifically address the critical rehabilitation and psychosocial support needs of these most marginalized populations," explains Dhiraj, HI Director in India.
Beyond this initial emergency phase, HI will continue to support those affected to help them rebuild their lives.
