When Disaster Hit
Cyclone Ditwah’s landfall in Sri Lanka on 28 November 2025, resulted in the country’s most severe flooding in nearly two decades. Widespread disaster was triggered across the country, with 22 of the 25 districts severely affected, including World Vision Singapore’s Lindula Area Development Programme.
The extreme rainfall, destructive winds, floods and landslides destroyed homes, agricultural and plantation lands, as well as coastal fishing communities, exacerbating the country’s economic instability and food insecurity.
Your support helped to reach 212,180 people, including more than 72,000 children, with life-saving essentials, health, housing and livelihood recovery support.
Impact Made Possible
Food Security & Livelihood Support
89,340 people received food assistance and livelihood support to help their families recover.
- 4,740 families received cooked meals in safe evacuation centres.
- 31,227 dry ration packs containing rice, cooking oil, canned food, milk powder, spices, tea leaves and other essential food items were distributed.
- 840 families received cash assistance to restore their livelihoods.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
76,210 people gained access to safe water and essential hygiene supplies to prevent waterborne diseases.
- 10, 099 sanitary items including soap, towels, toothbrushes, diapers and dignity kits were distributed.
- 3,913 water bottles and 15 water tanks (10L and 1,000L) were distributed.
Shelter & Essential Household Items
31,450 people received shelter support and household essentials to help them return home safely.
- Over 12,000 shelter-related items such as mattresses, mosquito nets, bedsheets and candles were distributed.
- 6,938 cleaning items such as disinfectants, buckets and brooms were distributed.
- 1,311 clothing and safety items were provided.
Child Protection & Psychosocial Support
15,180 people received protection and psychosocial support to help them recover from the emotional impact of the disaster.
- 15 Child-Friendly Spaces were established providing over 500 children with a safe place to play, process trauma, regain a sense of normalcy and stay protected.
A Community’s Disaster Preparedness That Saved Lives
When Manike heard the warning about possible landslides in her area, she knew she had to act quickly.
As part of the Village Disaster Management Committee trained through World Vision’s disaster preparedness work, she had already learned what to do in an emergency.
“Because World Vision trained us in preparedness, I didn't panic. I had all the essentials ready to evacuate,” said Manike.
Together with 40 committee members, Manike quickly coordinated the evacuation of families living in the highest-risk areas. Residents were directed to the Ambaliyedda Temple — a location the community had already identified as a safe evacuation centre during earlier preparedness training.
As floodwaters rose rapidly, Manike helped five stranded families reach higher ground. Shortly afterwards, two massive landslides swept through the village.
Although homes and farmland were destroyed including Manike's own paddy field, not a single life was lost. All 208 families in the community evacuated safely.
“It was through World Vision that we received all this training and preparedness,” said Manike.
Her story is a powerful reminder that disaster preparedness doesn't just reduce risk, it saves lives.
Thank you for standing with children and families in Sri Lanka. Your generosity brought life-saving relief when it was needed most and gave communities hope as they rebuilt their lives.
Find out more about our ongoing Crisis and Disaster Response.
