MRC Sri Lanka Relief Fund
MRC opens Sri Lanka Relief Fund to support people affected by Cyclone Ditwah
The Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) has launched the “MRC Sri Lanka Relief Fund” to provide immediate relief and support the response and recovery efforts following the severe humanitarian crisis caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The fund will be open for 8 days, from 1 December 2025 until 8 December 2025.
MRC is encouraging USD contributions to help overcome temporary limitations affecting international fund transfers and to fast-track the first tranche of assistance. MRC will also work with local banks and businesses to support foreign exchange requirements for MVR donations. All funds received under this Emergency Appeal—aside from unavoidable bank transfer costs—will be entirely remitted to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) to ensure timely and effective assistance reaches affected communities.
About the MRC Sri Lanka Relief Fund
MRC’s Sri Lanka Relief Fund supports critical and timely assistance in response to the large-scale flooding and destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Funds will contribute to:
- First Aid services and medical support
- Emergency relief distributions including drinking water, staple foods, hygiene products, clothing, and other basic essentials
- Strengthening WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) interventions
- Search and rescue capacity, supporting operations that remain stretched with more than 228 individuals still missing
- Rapid community needs assessments carried out by SLRCS branches
These interventions are vital as access to affected districts continues to be hindered by damaged roads, inundated bridges, disrupted communication networks, and delays in dispatching relief supplies.
The bank account details are as follows: -
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Bank of Maldives |
Maldives Islamic Bank |
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Account Name: Maldivian Red Crescent |
Account Name: Maldivian Red Crescent |
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Account Number: 7730000379010 [MVR] |
Account Number: 99010155500036100 [MVR] |
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Account Number: 7701176022002 (USD) |
Account Number: 99010155500036200 (USD) |
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Summary of the Situation in Sri Lanka (as of 30th November 2025)
Cyclone Ditwah continues its northwestward track, leaving widespread devastation across Sri Lanka, particularly in historically vulnerable regions. Torrential rainfall exceeding 200 mm in 24 hours, and over 540 mm in some districts, triggered catastrophic flash flooding along major river basins. As of 30 November 2025, authorities report 41 homes fully destroyed and 666 partially damaged, with figures expected to increase as assessment teams access remote areas.
The Government of Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency as all districts have been severely affected. Although the cyclone system has shifted toward the northern coasts of India, critical conditions persist, and flood risks remain elevated.
Sri Lankan Red Cross Society (SLRCS) Response Efforts
The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS), working alongside government and emergency agencies, has mobilized teams to support the 12 million people across 9 provinces affected by the cyclone. More than 3,500 volunteers are currently:
- Supporting evacuations
- Conducting search and rescue operations
- Providing First Aid and urgent assistance
- Distributing drinking water, hygiene items, basic household necessities
- Leading initial assessments to guide targeted response operations
Major operational constraints include:
- Restricted access due to road closures, landslides, and damaged bridges
- Limited search and rescue capacity to locate over 228 missing people (as of 30th November 2025)
- Communication disruptions caused by power outages
- Overwhelmed health services in several districts
Immediate needs include mobile medical teams, essential medicines, mental health and psychosocial support, and enhanced disease surveillance to prevent outbreaks such as dengue and waterborne illnesses.
IFRC DREF Mobilization & Ongoing Coordination
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has activated its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to support SLRCS in delivering immediate relief. At the same time, SLRCS and Movement partners are developing a comprehensive response and recovery plan for the next phase of operations.