Emergencies

Cyclonic Storm Ditwah made landfall on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast on 28 November 2025, leaving a major humanitarian crisis in its wake. More than 1.4 million people have been affected across all 25 districts. As of 2 December, authorities have confirmed 410 deaths, with 336 people still reported missing. Nearly 233 000 people have been displaced as homes and key infrastructure suffered extensive damage, including more than 565 houses fully destroyed and over 20 000 partially damaged.  

The human impact has been most heavily concentrated in the central and south-central districts, where Kandy, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Kurunegala, and Matale together account for the highest fatalities, reflecting the vulnerability of hill-country communities where landslides and access constraints continue to hamper rescue operations. Flooding along the Kelani River and landslides in the central hills have further complicated humanitarian access as emergency regulations come into force.  

Access to clean water remains a critical concern. Food insecurity is rising as farmland and supply chains face severe disruption. The health system is under mounting pressure, with increased risks of water-related illnesses and reduced access to essential services. 

WHO’s Response  

In response to the cyclone, which has been declared a nationwide emergency, the UN and humanitarian partners have launched a coordinated multi-sector response, initiated a Joint Rapid Needs Assessment, and are developing a Joint Response Plan to guide relief and resource mobilization. 

WHO is supporting Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health by mobilizing rapid response teams, strengthening disease surveillance, and—through its role as Health Cluster lead—coordinating efforts across health, WASH, nutrition and other sectors to ensure an efficient, coordinated and timely response.  

On 2 December, WHO provided US$ 175 000 in emergency funds to the Government of Sri Lanka to support response activities aimed at restoration of essential health services for the affected communities. WHO funding, partly from WHO South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF), supports operational costs for mobilization and deployment of Rapid Response medical and public health teams which will deliver trauma/first aid on site, refer individuals for hospital care, attend to pregnant women, children, the elderly, among others.   

WHO remains fully committed to supporting the national response and ensure the affected communities receive timely and essential care they need.