• Unprecedented floods devastate Sri Lanka, claiming lives, displacing thousands, crippling homes and damaging critical infrastructure.

• Singapore Red Cross launches a public fundraising appeal, calling on the people of Singapore to urgently step forward to support life-saving relief efforts.

Singapore, 2 December 2025 – Severe floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have devastated communities across Sri Lanka, claiming close to 200 lives and displacing thousands since last Friday, 28 November. Torrential rains have swept through the country, destroyed homes, and crippled critical infrastructure, leaving families in urgent need of shelter, food and medical aid. In response to the escalating crisis, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has launched a public fundraising appeal for Sri Lanka, commencing with an initial cash pledge of SGD 50,000 to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to support urgent relief efforts and recovery.

“Communities across are facing the full force of Cyclone Ditwah’s destruction. Thousands of families have lost their homes, livelihoods, and access to basic necessities, and their needs are urgent and immense. Our sister national society is on the frontline delivering critical relief, and the Singapore Red Cross remains committed to standing in solidarity with them. We will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation, and work in coordination with our partners to reach those affected. We call on the people of Singapore to support our fundraising appeal, to help bring hope and assistance to the families who have lost everything,” said Mr Benjamin William, Secretary General/CEO, Singapore Red Cross.

Sri Lanka is now grappling with one of its worst weather disasters in years. Torrential rains, widespread flooding, and the destructive force of Cyclone Ditwah have destroyed over 20,000 homes, displaced over 100,000 people into temporary shelters, and claimed close to 200 lives and are still rising. Nearly a third of the country remains without electricity or running water as power lines collapsed and water supply systems were affected. 

Although rainfall has eased in parts of the country, northern regions continue to face heavy downpours. Rising water levels along the Kelani River have triggered evacuation orders in multiple areas, placing already vulnerable communities at further risk. The humanitarian situation remains precarious, with urgent needs for shelter, clean water, food, and medical care. 

In response, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) has activated emergency operations through its network of 25 branches, deploying Branch Disaster Response Teams (BDRTs) to support rescue operations, provide first aid, distribute relief items, and assess urgent community needs. Volunteers are working around the clock, standing with the most vulnerable families as the crisis unfolds.

SRC is mobilising resources to support SLRCS and is calling on the public to contribute to the Sri Lanka Cyclone Ditwah Emergency Appeal. Donations will go directly towards life-saving relief and early recovery assistance for affected families and communities. Every contribution will help restore dignity, rebuild livelihoods and strengthen communities on the long road to recovery.

Photo via Sri Lanka Red Cross Society