Situation Report - Sri Lanka
1. Situation Overview
Since late November 2025, South and Southeast Asia have been directly impacted by severe monsoon rains and a succession of tropical cyclones. This has resulted in large-scale flooding and landslides, centered in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. To date, more than 1,700 deaths have been confirmed, along with the destruction of major infrastructure and the flooding of numerous cities.
2. Progress and Damage Status in Sri Lanka
Timeline of Events
- Nov 25: Rainfall begins across Sri Lanka.
- Nov 27: Flood warning issued for the Badulla region; landslides occur and communication is cut off.
- Nov 28: Korea American Food for the Hungry International (KAFHI) begins emergency response.
- Nov 29: Affected areas expand; field visits and initial assessments of marginalized areas conducted.
- Nov 30: Displaced persons camps established and relocation completed.
On November 25, 2025, Cyclone Ditwah passed through Sri Lanka, bringing record rainfall and strong winds that caused nationwide flooding and landslides. According to the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Centre (DMC), as of January 4:
- Deaths: 644
- Missing: 175
- Displaced Persons: 2 million
- Houses Totally Destroyed: 6,056
- Houses Partially Damaged: 112,521
Landslides were concentrated in the central and inland highlands, including Badulla, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya, causing heavy casualties. Some areas remain isolated as major roads and bridges were buried or washed away. Basic survival conditions have deteriorated significantly due to road loss and power outages. According to the DMC's landslide early warning report released on December 8, the Badulla region (where KAFHI projects are located) is classified as a Level 2 (High Risk) area out of 3 levels, meaning the possibility of additional landslides persists.
Infrastructure paralysis is widespread, and areas with slow recovery speeds are difficult for rescue teams to access. There are concerns regarding the spread of waterborne diseases due to contaminated water sources and debris. With schools and health facilities flooded, the risks for vulnerable groups have increased. Sri Lankan authorities have evaluated this as the most extensive and significant natural disaster to hit the country in decades.
Landslide-stricken area
3. Response from the Sri Lankan Government and the International Community
Immediately following the landfall of Cyclone Ditwah, the Sri Lankan government activated the National Emergency Response Mechanism, centered around the National Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Military, police, fire services, and local government personnel have been extensively deployed to carry out rescue and relief operations. In particular, Special Rescue Teams (SAR), engineering corps, and heavy machinery have been prioritized in the Sabaragamuwa, Kandy, and Badulla regions, where a series of large-scale landslides occurred, focusing on searching for missing persons, securing roads, and accessing isolated areas.
The Sri Lankan government has decided to provide 120,000 KRW (equivalent) to every household that suffered housing damage, regardless of the extent of the loss. Additionally, funds for purchasing school supplies were to be distributed by the end of December to school-aged children. Furthermore, the government decided to provide three months of rent support for those moving from temporary shelters to safe zones, which is expected to lead to a significant migration of the displaced population from shelters to other regions.
On November 29, determining that the scale of the damage exceeded national response capacities, the government officially activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM). Through this, they requested international assistance, including rescue equipment, boats, and medical supplies. European nations and the UN system have since commenced consultations for initial response efforts. In response, Germany pledged shelter materials, while Italy expressed its intention to provide technical support.
The international community is also expanding its response from the early stages. The IOM is providing non-food items (NFIs), shelter materials, and other essential relief goods on the ground, working in close coordination with the Sri Lanka DMC, UN agencies, and international partners.
At the request of the Sri Lankan government, the U.S. government has dispatched military personnel to support relief activities. The South Korean government has decided to provide a total of $1.5 million in humanitarian aid ($500,000 each) to support the response and early recovery from flooding and landslide damage in three South and Southeast Asian countries (Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka).
4. KAFHI Response Status
In response to requests from the Badulla local government and the needs of local residents, KAFHI has provided emergency packages including food and water, along with hygiene kits, to affected households. Furthermore, KAFHI has completed support for clearing landslide debris and securing access roads by providing emergency recovery equipment, such as chainsaws and fuel for heavy machinery.
In addition, an emergency relief fund totaling 20 million KRW has been allocated to support the survival and early recovery of 600 households (approximately 2,400 direct beneficiaries) affected by the recent cyclone and landslides. This initiative is expected to minimize gaps in assistance by providing essential supplies for survival and improving the living environments of displaced persons, while also offering tailored daily necessities for vulnerable groups, including infants, children, and the elderly. This effort aims to enhance the safety and hygiene standards of life within the shelters.
As part of the support for early return and recovery, KAFHI plans to promote community-based recovery activities to encourage resident participation in managing the disaster situation. Support for educational facilities will also be provided through inspections and minor repairs of school buildings and facilities to facilitate the resumption of learning. Furthermore, providing kitchenware and food to families returning home is expected to contribute to the early settlement and livelihood stability of the displaced population.
Target Areas and Beneficiaries
- Primary Areas: Soranathota Administrative Division and Welimada Village within the Badulla district.
- Direct Beneficiaries: 600 households (approximately 2,400 individuals), including displaced families living in shelters and vulnerable households such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, women, and childrens.
- Indirect Beneficiaries: All residents of the local community who utilize the restored pedestrian paths, schools, and regional infrastructure.
Initial Response
Soranathota Shelter (School)
A. Emergency Relief and Infrastructure Restoration
- Water Supply: Replaced damaged PVC pipes to restore water from existing KAFHI tanks to homes in Kirioruwa.
- Energy: Distributed small solar lights to individual households in areas where power restoration is delayed (Budugekanda, Kohana, Pallakanda).
- Winter Supplies: Distributed warm clothing and bedding to the elderly to prevent hypothermia.
- Small Shelters: Provided solar lamps, mats, and hygiene kits to small, marginalized shelters (e.g., under temple eaves) often missed by large-scale aid.
B. Child Protection and Psychosocial Support
- Safety Checks: Confirmed the safety of sponsored children in Soranathota.
- Mental Health: Conducted letter writing and recreational activities to prevent trauma.
- Education: Operated English after-school classes within shelters to ensure the right to learn during school closures.
C. Future Plans
- Hygiene Facilities: Support the construction of gender-segregated toilets and showers for those moving from school shelters to temporary tent settlements. This will follow a community-based model where KAFHI provides materials and residents provide labor.
- Housing Stabilization: Monitor government policy and provide settlement supplies (kitchenware, food) for families moving to temporary residences.
- Holiday Support: 2025 Christmas gifts have been rescheduled for early 2026, consisting of school supplies and solar lamps.
PVC Pipe Distribution
Educational Support within the Shelter
Solar Panels Delivered to the Shelter
View of the Temporary Tent Shelter
