• Sri Lanka youth join cyclone response

The Salvation Army quickly mobilised and deployed teams to impacted areas after Cyclone Ditwah.

Salvation Army teams quickly mobilised after the South-Asian nation of Sri Lanka was struck by Cyclone Ditwah on 28 November, which left catastrophic flooding, landslides and loss of life in its wake. It is the most severe cyclone to hit the country this century.

The human impact has been heartbreaking. Over two million people have been affected, the death toll has surpassed 600 and over 200 individuals remain unaccounted for.

More than 75,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, and persistent rainfall continues to destabilise hillsides, especially in the central mountainous areas, placing communities at further risk.

Salvation Army teams were deployed to the hardest-hit areas to provide urgent assistance, while support continues to expand to other affected regions.

Teams helped provide immediate relief and assess future needs of impacted communities.

In collaboration with government disaster response teams, The Salvation Army has distributed hot meals and clean drinking water. Local centres have opened their doors to shelter families who have lost everything.

From Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa, Salvation Army teams have assessed urgent needs and delivered essential supplies to help communities begin the long process of recovery.

Close coordination with government authorities ensures the organisation’s efforts are aligned with national response plans and directed where help is needed most.

Medical support

Beyond food and shelter, The Salvation Army is responding to urgent requests from Sri Lanka’s national health services, including to support blood donation camps that are working around the clock on replenishing critical blood supplies.

With floodwaters limiting access to hygiene products there exists an increasing risk of water-borne illnesses. Responding to this problem, The Salvation Army is distributing hygiene kits whilst aiding medical teams working to safeguard community health.

The Salvation Army is committed to helping meet long-term needs after the cyclone.

“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our response,” said Colonel Nihal Hettiarachchi, leader of The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka. “Many young Salvation Army members are working tirelessly to help families clean and repair their homes, offering comfort and practical support during an incredibly difficult time. Their dedication reflects the true spirit of rebuilding together and embodies The Salvation Army’s mission to serve others in Jesus’ name.

“We remain committed to standing with the people of Sri Lanka, restoring dignity, meeting essential needs and helping rebuild the lives of those who have lost so much.”