ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern areas are in the path of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, as it moves towards India, with winds gusting to 100 kilometers per hours on November 28 and storm surges, the Indian and Sri Lankan met offices have warned.
The Ditwah has so far killed 56 and 21 is missing, a spokesman from the Disaster Management Office told Sri Lanka’s Derana television.
Sustained winds of 80 kilometres per hour gusting up to 100 kilometres have been warned over the island as the system moves across the island towards India.
The centre of the Cyclonic storm is expected to move over Trincomalee on Friday.
A Cyclonic Storm (CS) is the lowest level of cyclones and is categorized above a Deep Depression (DD) in the Indian Ocean. Sustained wind speeds above 89 kilometres are generally considered for Severe Cyclonic Storms.
Water from heavy rains are now moving down the rivers to the coastal towns.
“Heavy rainfall is currently being experienced in many areas of the catchment of the Kelani River Basin,” a notice from the Department of Irrigation said.
“In view of the prevailing rainfall situation, the volume of water being released from the reservoirs located in the upper catchment of the Kelani River.
“…[A] Major Flood Situation may occur in the low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley within the next
48 hours.
“These areas include the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Eheliyagoda, Norwood, Yatiyantota, Galigamuwa, Ruwanwella, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Seethawaka, Dompe, Padukka, Homagama, Kaduwela, Biyagama, Kolonnawa, Kelaniya, Wattala, and Colombo.”
Downstream of Aththanugalu Oya Gampaha district is also facing floods.
“Mavor Flood Sick in bonding areas Oya Valleys nuyatized Diuual, Mirigama, Maharama, Maharaa, Minawad, Ja-ela, Dept said.
A warning has also been issued for the Kalu Ganga (River) valley situated in Pelmadulla, Nivithigala, Ratnapura, Kuruvita, Ayagama, Elapatha, Ingiriya, Horana, Dodangoda, and Millaniya District Secretariat Divisions.
Lower reaches of the Mahaweli River is also under threat.
More rains are expected on Friday with 200 millimetres possible, met officials told media.
“Very heavy falls above 200 mm are likely at some places in Northern, North-central, Central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee district and, above 150 mm are likely at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces and in Badulla and Batticaloa districts,” Sri Lanka’s met office said.
“Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in the other areas of the island. Very strong winds at times about (60-70) kmph and gusting up to (80-90) kmph can be expected over the most parts of the island.”
Flood waters are rising in several rivers, after overnight and continuous rains and will also reach Colombo via Kelani River authorities said.
Storm surges of 1 to 1.5 metres (about 5 feet) above high tide possible in the coastal areas, until the November 29, the Indian meet office said.
A storm surge has similar effect to a tsunami. Destructive storm surges in the past has been seen in Sri Lanka only at much higher wind speeds during Severe and Very Severe Cyclonic Storms.
READ MORE ABOUT STORM SURGES HERE – Cyclones and Storm Surges Pose a More Frequent Threat than Tsunami
FOR SEVERE WEATHER UPDATES FROM SRI LANKA MET OFFICE CLICK HERE or HERE and Click tab on ‘Severe Advisory’.
Sri Lanka was lashed with heavy rains killing almost 56 persons from landslides and widespread flooding. (Colombo/Nov28/2025)
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