Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah made landfall in Sri Lanka on 28 November 2025, triggering severe flooding, landslides and widespread destruction. More than 2 million people – around 10 per cent of the population – were affected across all 25 districts. 

With numerous hospitals and health clinics damaged, sexual and reproductive health services have been severely disrupted, particularly for more than 520,000 women of reproductive age, among whom are over 22,500 pregnant women. The loss of reliable access to maternal and neonatal care has increased the risk of unassisted births, pregnancy complications and unmet family planning needs.

With more than 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed, tens of thousands of people are now staying in temporary evacuation shelters. Overcrowding, limited lighting, lack of privacy and shared sanitation facilities are increasing risks of gender-based violence, particularly for adolescent girls, older women and people with disabilities.

In collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka and humanitarian partners, UNFPA is responding to urgent sexual and reproductive health and protection needs in the most cyclone-affected areas. Maternity and dignity kits as well as cash and vouchers assistance are being distributed to vulnerable women and adolescent girls, and in affected areas where health facilities are damaged or inaccessible, services are being delivered through mobile health clinics. 

UNFPA is also supporting the repair and rebuilding of health clinics and safe spaces for women and girls, helping to strengthen protection services, including psychosocial support for survivors. 

UNFPA will continue to ensure life-saving care is provided and immediate health and protection needs are met, enhancing the resilience of both the national health system and affected communities.

Updated 5 January 2026