It is raining continuously in Sri Lanka due to cyclonic storm Ditva. The situation has become very bad due to heavy rains, floods and landslides. 56 people have died here in a week and 21 people are still missing. In view of the continuously worsening situation, the government has declared a holiday in the entire country on Friday. People engaged in emergency and relief work will not get leave.
46 people have died in the last 72 hours alone. According to Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Center (DMC), 43,991 people from 12,313 families have been affected by the heavy rains. The houses of many families have been submerged in water and they are being taken to safer places. Relief and rescue work is going on.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences to those who lost their lives. India has immediately sent relief material and necessary help under Operation Sagar Bandhu. PM Modi said that we are ready to provide more assistance as per the situation. Under the guidance of India's Neighbor First Policy and Vision Ocean, India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this hour of crisis.
My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families.
In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2025
Bad weather has also affected air travel. SriLankan Airlines said that many planes could not land safely. Therefore he was sent to Kochi, Trivandrum in India and Mattala Airport in Sri Lanka. In view of the serious situation, the Sri Lankan government is considering asking for international help. A meeting has been called under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to take a decision on this.
Railway services have also been stopped due to rain and floods. The Railway Department said that all trains have been stopped indefinitely from 6 am on Friday. The railway station in Gampola city of Central Province has been completely submerged in water and many coaches are also trapped in the water. The spill gates of almost all the major reservoirs of Sri Lanka have been opened, due to which the risk of floods has increased further.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said that Cyclone Ditva is near Trincomalee, the eastern district of Sri Lanka. This storm is about 50 km south of Trincomalee and is slowly moving towards the north-west. Due to this, there is a danger of heavy rains, stormy winds and storms in the entire country.
The Meteorological Department has said that more than 200 mm of rain may occur in many areas. Areas like Trincomalee, Badulla, Galle and Matara are likely to receive heavy rainfall up to 150 mm. The wind speed is 60 to 70 km per hour. Which can increase to 80 to 90 km per hour.
