“Cyclone Ditwah Swamps Sri Lanka, Pushes Millions to the Edge”
“UNDP mapping shows 2.3 million people affected as floodwaters wash over 1.1 million hectares, triggering landslides and straining essential services.”
On 28 November, Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka, leaving 2.3 million people – over half women – living in flooded areas. UNDP analysis shows the cyclone swamped 1.1 million hectares, damaging nearly 720,000 buildings, 16,000 km of roads, 278 km of railway tracks, and 480 bridges.
Over half of affected households were already vulnerable, increasing risks of long-term setbacks. The cyclone also triggered around 1,200 landslides, isolating communities and slowing rescue operations. Colombo and Gampaha districts were hardest hit, with over 60% of exposed populations.
UNDP urges urgent early recovery support, focusing on restoring essential services, helping women, children, and older persons, and rebuilding infrastructure with climate resilience. Officials stress that international partners must step up with affordable financing to enable recovery without worsening Sri Lanka’s debt crisis.
Full analysis and data: Mapping the initial impact of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka
