Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst climate disasters in recent history, with at least 159 people killed and more than one million affected after Cyclone Ditwah triggered days of intense rainfall, flooding, and landslides across the country. 

According to the Sri Lanka's National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), 833,985 people across 25 districts have been directly affected, while the number of impacted families has risen to 234,503. Authorities have opened 919 emergency shelters, now housing 34,198 families, while a total of 122,822 families have been relocated to safer areas to escape rising waters and unstable terrain.

The heaviest damage has been recorded in Gampaha, where 51,701 families (197,144 people) have been affected. Other severely impacted districts include Puttalam with 36,098 families (135,922 people), Colombo with 25,159 families (99,668 people), Mannar with 24,313 families (79,946 people), and Batticaloa with 16,257 families (47,856 people). NDMC reports also indicate significant impacts in Badulla, Kandy, Ratnapura and Jaffna, with officials warning of possible riverbank erosion in several regions.

Sri Lankan authorities have urged residents to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary, as rescue operations and relief delivery efforts continue. With a population of 23.2 million, the country is facing immense pressure to provide emergency assistance, prompting the government to appeal for international support. India has already dispatched food aid to affected communities.

The Maldives has extended humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, pledging USD 50,000 in financial aid and 25,000 cases of canned tuna to support relief efforts. A national telethon held in the Maldives opened additional avenues for the public to contribute financial support to the neighbouring country.