Cyclone Ditwah Devastates Sri Lanka: Rescue Operations Underway

Cyclone Ditwah has devastated Sri Lanka, leading to extensive rescue operations and humanitarian efforts. With over 350 fatalities and many still missing, the Indian government has mobilized resources to assist its maritime neighbor. The NDRF has been actively involved in rescue missions, including the evacuation of a pregnant woman. The cyclone has caused significant destruction, affecting hundreds of thousands and leading to the establishment of numerous safety centers. Relief efforts continue as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 2, 2025, 11:32 IST

Intense Rescue Operations Following Cyclone Ditwah

Colombo: In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah's destruction, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) successfully rescued a nine-month pregnant woman in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka, relocating her to a safer area as relief efforts ramp up across the nation.

Following her evacuation, the woman received prompt medical attention.

Indian rescue teams have escalated their operations under the initiative named Operation Sagar Bandhu, which commenced on November 28. This operation aims to provide critical search-and-rescue assistance as well as humanitarian aid to what India refers to as its 'closest maritime neighbour' in light of the cyclone's devastation.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka shared updates on the pregnant woman's rescue, stating, 'Operation Sagar Bandhu continues to support those in dire need.'

Cyclone Ditwah has caused extensive damage, being labeled one of the most catastrophic events in Sri Lanka's recent history, with over 350 fatalities and nearly 400 individuals still unaccounted for, according to local news sources.

The Colombo and Gampaha districts are among the hardest hit, affecting over 437,000 residents, with 212 shelters currently operational. In Gampaha alone, 218,899 people have been impacted, with reports of nine deaths and two individuals missing.

In Badulla, an NDRF team managed to recover a body from beneath more than five feet of debris in a challenging operation, with ongoing search efforts at the site.

Severe landslides have struck Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, resulting in 71 and 75 deaths respectively, while Kandy has recorded the highest number of fatalities at 88, with 150 people still missing, as reported by local media.

In the northern and eastern regions, Trincomalee is currently sheltering 15,086 displaced individuals, while Mannar has reported nearly 80,000 affected residents. Ampara has confirmed eight deaths, and Monaragala has reported three fatalities.

Across Sri Lanka, 1,564 safety centers have been established, providing refuge for 218,526 individuals from 61,612 families. The destruction includes submerged towns, collapsed infrastructure, and severely disrupted communication systems, according to local reports.

Relief operations are ongoing, supported by military personnel and aerial missions delivering essential supplies such as food, clean water, and medical aid to the impacted areas.