Is Sri Lanka Safe for Tourists After Cyclone Ditwah? What the Storm’s Devastation Means for Your 2025 Travel Plans—And Why You Should Still Visit!

Published on November 30, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

On November 28, 2025, Cyclone Ditwah slammed into Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, bringing with it torrential rains, devastating floods, and deadly landslides. The storm, exacerbated by the monsoon rains, has left behind a trail of destruction, with over 200 dead, hundreds missing, and over 800,000 people affected across multiple districts. The cyclone’s devastation has caused severe infrastructure damage, especially to Sri Lanka’s tea industry, while creating a dire humanitarian crisis. The country declared a state of emergency on November 29, initiating relief and rescue operations, with the Indian government offering swift assistance.

What Happened During Cyclone Ditwah?

Cyclone Ditwah, which originated in the Bay of Bengal, struck Sri Lanka’s eastern coastline, including key districts like Colombo, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, and northern regions. As the storm intensified, heavy rainfall exceeded 200-300 mm in some areas, with isolated spots receiving up to 400 mm. These extreme rainfall figures led to severe flooding, and the storm’s fierce winds triggered landslides that buried homes and infrastructure.

The disaster unfolded quickly, with reports from November 29 showing that the initial death toll had already risen to 193-212 and that 218-228 people remained missing. This figure is expected to rise as rescue teams reach remote areas still cut off by the storm. More than 44,000-78,000 people have been displaced, and over 100,000 were evacuated to temporary shelters. Rescue efforts, however, have been severely hampered by ongoing weather conditions and further flooding.

Where Did Cyclone Ditwah Cause the Most Damage?

The worst-hit regions in Sri Lanka were the eastern, southern, and central highlands. Nuwara Eliya and Badulla, both key regions for Sri Lanka’s tea plantations, suffered extensive damage, as landslides destroyed much of the tea harvest, which forms a significant portion of the country’s $1.3-1.4 billion tea industry. Entire towns were submerged, with over 15,000 homes destroyed or severely damaged, and critical infrastructure such as roads, power lines, telecommunications, and transportation were either destroyed or disrupted in at least 12 districts.

Sri Lanka’s economy, already fragile from prior debt crises, faces a long recovery, with estimates for reconstruction costs soaring over $500 million. This comes on top of the ongoing economic strain from Sri Lanka’s recent financial troubles, including the 2022 sovereign debt default and reliance on an IMF bailout program. The country’s reliance on exports, including tea, and the damage to agricultural sectors will likely cause further long-term economic challenges.

Who Is Helping Sri Lanka Recover?

In response to the devastation, India quickly deployed Operation Sagar Bandhu, sending ships, aircraft, and rescue teams to aid in the relief efforts. The INS Vikrant, India’s aircraft carrier, which was in Sri Lanka for a fleet review, was swiftly repurposed to assist in rescue operations. Additionally, INS Udaygiri, along with two cargo aircraft, delivered essential supplies like food, medicines, tents, and water purifiers to the affected areas.

India’s PM Narendra Modi expressed condolences and pledged additional aid, while Sri Lanka’s government made formal appeals for further international assistance. Despite India’s swift response, however, China’s involvement remains unclear, with no official aid reports from the country as of November 30.

What Are the Immediate Health Risks and How Are They Being Managed?

The post-cyclone environment presents significant health risks, particularly the spread of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection contracted from contaminated floodwaters. Outbreaks of this disease were reported after previous floods in Sri Lanka, including in 2011. The disease can cause severe symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle pain, and jaundice, and, in severe cases, can be fatal.

Authorities are urging citizens to avoid contact with floodwaters and take precautionary health measures. The government is also focused on preventing further outbreaks of dengue, cholera, and food shortages, which are expected to worsen in the coming weeks. Medical supplies, water purification equipment, and shelter remain the highest priorities for humanitarian assistance.

What Is the Forecast for Sri Lanka and the Broader Region?

While the storm’s intensity has started to ease, flood risks remain high through the first week of December 2025, particularly in areas like Badulla and Nuwara Eliya. Further heavy rains are expected in the coming days, while southern India has also been impacted, with Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh seeing additional rainfall and disruptions. Forecasts indicate that Sri Lanka will continue to face logistical challenges in recovery, especially with remote areas still inaccessible.

The United Nations and other international agencies are continuing to monitor the situation, though specific contributions beyond India remain unclear. Sri Lanka’s reconstruction effort will require sustained global support to avoid further setbacks in the country’s ongoing recovery from the 2022 financial crisis.

Key Stats from Cyclone Ditwah Impact (Sri Lanka)

Conclusion: A Long Road to Recovery for Sri Lanka

As Sri Lanka faces the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, the country is not only grappling with the immediate impact of the disaster but also with the long-term effects on its economy and infrastructure. Indian aid, alongside international support, has been crucial in the initial recovery phase. However, the road to full recovery will be long and challenging, especially considering the financial strain Sri Lanka continues to face. Health risks, displacement, and economic losses are compounded by the ongoing threat of further natural disasters in the region. Immediate attention and sustained international cooperation will be critical to mitigating the full impact of the cyclone and supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery.