Sri Lanka Declares State of Emergency as Cyclone Ditwah Death Toll Reaches 132 with 176 Missing

Nov 29, 2025 09:38 pm CST

Sri Lanka has declared a national emergency following devastating floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, with 132 confirmed deaths and 176 people missing. The catastrophe has destroyed over 15,000 homes and displaced 78,000 residents into temporary shelters. With one-third of the country lacking electricity and clean water, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has invoked emergency powers and appealed for international assistance as rescue operations continue amid widespread infrastructure damage.