The death toll from severe weather linked to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has climbed to 153, with at least 191 people still missing as large-scale rescue efforts continue, according to figures from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Heavy rainfall, rising floodwaters and ongoing landslides have disrupted daily life across multiple districts, leaving extensive damage and hampering access to affected areas. 
Local reports indicate that 774,724 people from 217,263 families across 25 districts have been impacted, with several regions continuing to face hazardous conditions.
The DMC said that 100,898 individuals from 27,494 families are currently staying in 798 evacuation centres nationwide as authorities work to deliver relief supplies and ensure the safety of displaced residents. 
Communication difficulties in several severely affected zones have further complicated rescue coordination.
The President's Media Division noted that Sri Lanka&rsquo;s telecommunications operators have agreed to prioritise emergency calls in order to reduce network congestion and strengthen response operations. 
Weather conditions are expected to show signs of improvement beginning Sunday.
Indian rescue teams are assisting Sri Lankan forces&mdash;including the Air Force, Navy, Army, Police and local first responders&mdash;in ongoing evacuations and relief missions. 
Two Indian Navy helicopters rescued eight individuals trapped by floodwaters in Pannala, where rapidly rising water levels had rendered several homes inaccessible.
Officials said four Indian helicopters are currently deployed for rescue operations nationwide, including two operating from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. 
Multiple sorties have been carried out over severely affected regions, with rescued individuals transported to safe locations and handed over to local authorities.
&mdash;IANS

Rescue helicopters evacuate stranded flood-hit Sri Lankans

Sri Lanka counts 153 dead, 191 missing as floods, landslides and rescue challenges persist

Cyclone Ditwah Pushes Sri Lanka Death Toll

Sri Lanka counts 153 dead, 191 missing as floods, landslides and rescue challenges persist

November 30, 2025 | 16:59 IST