ADRA Korea Mobilizes Emergency Aid After Cyclone Ditva Devastates Sri Lanka

In late November 2025, Cyclone Ditva swept across Sri Lanka, causing record-breaking rainfall and severe flooding across the country. In response, ADRA Korea, led by Secretary General Kim IkHyun, has launched initial emergency relief efforts to support affected communities.

Cyclone Ditva triggered landslides and widespread inundation, causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. According to government and media reports, more than 150 people have died, about 190 remain missing, and over 500,000 residents have been affected. Nearly 78,000 people have taken refuge in approximately 800 evacuation centers nationwide. As many areas still remain inaccessible, officials warn that the actual scale of damage is likely to increase.

Thousands of families were forced to flee as floodwaters rapidly engulfed their homes, sources say. Some reported that they “escaped with only a few clothes for the children.” In many regions, power outages and communication failures have significantly delayed rescue operations. Contaminated water, debris, and damaged sanitation systems have also created increasingly hazardous living conditions.

The Sri Lankan government declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance. Countries, including India, have deployed helicopters, rescue teams, and relief supplies, but essential items such as clean water, food, medical care, and hygiene supplies remain in critically short supply.

Amid these challenges, ADRA International is partnering with the Sri Lankan government and local organizations to carry out emergency rescue and early recovery efforts. The ADRA Sri Lanka team is transporting stranded residents to safe locations and distributing essential relief items, including clean drinking water and hygiene supplies.

ADRA Korea has also begun mobilizing funds to support 300 flood-affected survivors with clean water, food, hygiene kits, and temporary shelter materials. The organization also plans to strengthen emotional and psychological care programs to help survivors cope with trauma and regain stability.

A representative of ADRA Korea described the situation on the ground with deep concern: “Even at this moment, countless children and families who lost their homes are struggling to survive each day. They are enduring fear and suffering without access to clean water, food, or medical care. Floodwaters have washed away entire communities, leaving behind only collapsed foundations. Families with nowhere to return, children crying from hunger, and people in urgent need of safety and treatment all require immediate help.”

ADRA is the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that provides water, sanitation, food, education, and income opportunities in more than 100 countries worldwide.

The original article was published on the Northern Asia-Pacific Division news site.