Sri Lanka, SET Tropical Storm Ditwah
Sri Lanka is grappling with one of its worst natural disasters in recent history. Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka at the end of November 2025 with unprecedented force, unleashing days of torrential rain that triggered severe flooding and landslides across all 25 districts of the country. Given the devastating situation, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid decided to deploy a Rapid Response Team (SET), focusing on WASH, and possible additional sectors like NFI, CVA and/or shelter.
| Región/País | Tema | Período | Presupuesto |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sri Lanka |
Ayuda de emergencia y protección
Ayuda y servicios materiales de emergencia
|
03.12.2025
- 30.06.2026 |
CHF 450’000
|
- Cuerpo Suizo de Ayuda Humanitaria
- • SHA • NGO Sarvodaya
-
Sector según clasificación del comité de ayuda al desarrollo de la OCDE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Sub-Sector según clasificación del comité de ayuda al desarrollo de la OCDE Ayuda y servicios materiales de emergencia
Tipo de ayuda Implementación directa COSUDE
Número de proyecto 7F11673
| Contexto | Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka on 27 November 2025, bringing torrential rains and strong winds that caused severe flooding, landslides, and widespread destruction across all 25 districts. Its slow movement produced prolonged rainfall exceeding 350 mm within 24 hours in some areas, and the rainy conditions continued for four consecutive days, resulting in catastrophic flooding, slope failures, and extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, making it one of the worst disasters in decades. The combination of the tropical storm “Ditwah”, intense rainfall, strong winds, saturated soils, rivers and reservoirs, and massive rainfall over mountainous terrain had far stronger impacts than the monsoon seasons of recent years. Major water supply schemes, treatment plants, and rural systems are damaged or submerged, causing severe service interruptions. High turbidity, contamination, and power outages prevent restoration. Given Sri Lanka’s openness to receive aid WASH equipment and expertise was offered to the Sri Lankan Authorities. On 02.12.2025, the crisis cell received the OK to deploy. |
| Objetivos | The overall objective is to provide immediate lifesaving assistance and support recovery efforts in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. |
| Grupos destinarios | Vulnerable population in Sri Lanka affected by the cyclone “Ditwah” |
| Efectos a medio plazo |
1) Action Line WASH: The WASH modules have been installed and are of use to the affected population. 2) Action Line NFI: The local NGO Sarvodaya has been supported to provide the affected population with Non Food Items (NFI). 3) Action Line CASH: A suitable partner has been defined and a CASH modality has been implemented. |
| Resultados |
Resultados previstos: • A rapid response team is deployed and assesses, coordinates, proposes and supports the implementation of action lines to assist hurricane hit and affected people in Sri Lanka. • Possible sites for the installation of the WASH modules are defined. • The WASH modules are installed and used. • A donation/contribution contract has been signed with the local NGO Sarvodaya to support the distribution of NFI. • A possible CASH intervention has been assessed, a suitable partner identified and is being implemented. • Other possible interventions and the feasibility of a direct action have been assessed. Resultados de las fases anteriores: N/A |
| Dirección / Officina Federal responsable |
COSUDE |
| Contrapartes del proyecto |
Contraparte del contrato |
| Coordinación con otros proyectos y actores | Disaster Management Centre (DMC), NGO Sarvodaya, UN-Agencies, red cross family |
| Presupuesto | Fase en curso Presupuesto suizo CHF 450’000 Presupuesto actual suizo ya emitido CHF 25’500 Presupuesto inclusive contrapartes del proyecto CHF 450’000 Total del proyecto desde la primera fase Presupuesto suizo CHF 0 Presupuesto inclusive contrapartes del proyecto CHF 450’000 |
| Fases del proyecto | Fase 1 03.12.2025 - 31.01.2026 (Fase en curso) |
