- By Supratik Das
- Mon, 01 Dec 2025 02:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Cyclone Ditwah In Sri Lanka:Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst weather crises in recent years, as Cyclone Ditwah and a trailing weather system continue to unleash torrents of rain, flash floods, and landslides across several regions.
Water levels in major rivers have surged to historic highs, inundating the towns, washing away key bridges, and heavily disrupting transport networks.
Deep Depression Moving Away; Heavy Rainfall To Continue
According to the Department of Meteorology, the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has now begun moving northwards, away from Sri Lanka, and is expected to weaken further. As of Monday, the system was located around 300 km north-northeast of Kankesanthurai.
The Met Department has also warned that several spells of rain will persist in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern provinces, and the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. Showers or thundershowers are likely in parts of the Uva, Batticaloa and Ampara districts after 2 pm. Fairly strong winds up to 50 kmph are likely in the Northern Province. Officials have also urged the public to be aware of lightning and temporary strong winds caused by evening thundershowers.
Check Region-Wise Forecast
Major Roadblocks Disrupt Communication
Authorities said roads, rail tracks, and bridges were damaged all over the area after days of incessant rain. A portion of the Yakkala bridge on the Colombo–Kandy road went underwater on Monday, forcing an immediate closure of the road. The Nayaru main bridge in Mullaitivu also collapsed due to severe flooding, disrupting movement along a number of essential routes.
The Road Development Authority says over 200 main roads remain impassable, and fresh landslides continue to impede clearance work.
Nearly One Million Affected; Massive Losses Recorded
According to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA, 998,918 people across all 25 districts have now been affected, with 355 deaths reported and 366 people missing. More than 180,000 people from over 51,000 families are sheltering in 1,094 government-run safety centres as search and rescue efforts continue.
According to the local media reports, more than 15,000 houses have been destroyed by floodwaters, and 510,000 hectares of cultivated paddy fields have been submerged, with urgent appeals for fertiliser and restoration assistance. The government estimates at least Rs. 31 billion is needed for agricultural and irrigation repairs.
Health And Safety Warnings Issued
The National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) said that each Divisional Secretariat has been allocated Rs 50 million to provide immediate relief. Every flood-affected household would be provided with an initial Rs. 10,000 sanitation grant to help clean up and make homes habitable again.
The Public Health Inspectors’ Union urged residents in affected areas to avoid well water, emphasizing that they should drink only boiled water to avoid contracting a waterborne disease. Officials also warned communities against visiting unsafe bridges and damaged roads.
The Meteorological Department said intermittent rain will continue throughout the week, particularly in wet-zone districts. Authorities have also urged the public to closely follow official advisories and relocate early in case there are evacuation notices.