Sri Lanka deploys troops as rising floodwaters claim 69 lives

November 28, 2025 / 8:53 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: Sri Lankan troops raced on Friday to rescue hundreds of people stranded by severe flooding as the nationwide death toll rose to 69, with 34 others reported missing. Helicopters and navy boats conducted multiple rescue operations, airlifting residents from treetops, rooftops, and isolated villages overwhelmed by water.

Rising toll and worsening conditions

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that the toll increased after more bodies were recovered in the hardest-hit central region, where mudslides buried many victims. Heavy rain persisted across the island, with some areas receiving up to 360 millimetres in the past 24 hours. The Kelani River, which empties into the Indian Ocean near Colombo, burst its banks on Friday.

Residents forced to flee homes

Many residents were forced to evacuate rapidly. V. S. A. Ratnayake, 56, from Kaduwela, said this may be the worst flood there in 30 years. Another resident, Kalyani, 48, sheltered two families whose homes had been inundated. Over 3,000 homes were damaged, and more than 18,000 people moved to temporary shelters.

Dramatic rescue operations

In Anuradhapura district, an Air Force Bell 212 helicopter rescued a man who had climbed a coconut tree to escape rising waters. The DMC warned that further rainfall is expected, with Cyclone Ditwah forecast to shift toward Tamil Nadu, India, by Sunday.

International support and calls for aid

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced that India was sending immediate assistance, pledging further support as needed. Officials said flood levels may surpass those of 2016, when 71 people died nationwide.

Personal appeals and continued evacuations

Sirasa TV broadcast a plea from a distressed woman who said her family, including a toddler, would have “nowhere to go” if water rose any further. Dozens of stranded tourists were also evacuated from central tea-growing regions to Colombo.

Monsoon intensified by Cyclone Ditwah

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing its northeast monsoon season, but Cyclone Ditwah has intensified rainfall, according to the DMC. While monsoons are vital for irrigation and hydroelectric power, experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of floods.

Historical context of flood disasters

This week’s death toll is the highest since June last year, when 26 people died during heavy rains. In December, another 17 people were killed in flooding and landslides. Sri Lanka’s worst flooding since 2000 occurred in June 2003, claiming 254 lives.