Sri Lanka is facing one of its deadliest weather disasters in recent years as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah’s torrential rains and landslides rose to 153, with 191 people still unaccounted for, according to figures released by the country’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
The island nation remains in crisis as heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, and recurring landslides continue to batter several districts. Local media, including the Daily Mirror, report that widespread flooding has paralysed communities, severed transport links, and destroyed homes across the country.
Official data show that 774,724 individuals from 217,263 families in 25 districts have been affected since the storm’s onset. Of these, 100,898 people from 27,494 families have been forced into 798 evacuation centres, where emergency personnel are working to maintain safety and distribute aid.
Rescue operations continue amid difficult conditions, with Sri Lanka’s Air Force, Navy, Army, Police, and civil authorities working in coordination with Indian rescue teams to reach stranded residents and deliver urgent assistance.
Maldives Extends Humanitarian Support
In response to the escalating crisis, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ordered immediate humanitarian aid to be dispatched from the Maldives. The government has pledged USD 50,000 in financial assistance, along with 25,000 cases of Maldivian canned tuna to support families affected by the flooding.
Officials said the decision was taken promptly to demonstrate solidarity with one of the Maldives’ closest regional partners. Thousands of Maldivians reside, study, and work in Sri Lanka, contributing to a deep bond shaped by decades of diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties.
President Muizzu described the assistance as a gesture rooted in friendship and regional responsibility, reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to stand by Sri Lanka in moments of severe hardship.
National Telethon in the Maldives to Boost Relief Efforts
To amplify support, Public Service Media (PSM) announced a nationwide telethon scheduled for Sunday, 30 November 2025, running from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM. The fundraising event, organised in collaboration with multiple local media organisations, aims to rally Maldivians behind emergency relief efforts for Sri Lanka.
PSM highlighted that Sri Lanka has consistently stood by the Maldives over the years and remains home to a significant Maldivian expatriate community. The broadcaster said the telethon seeks to channel the nation’s compassion into meaningful assistance as Sri Lanka grapples with widespread devastation.
With floodwaters still rising in several regions and the search for missing persons intensifying, Sri Lanka continues to face a humanitarian emergency. Maldivian authorities, media outlets, and citizens alike are preparing to extend additional support as the scale of destruction becomes clearer in the days ahead.
