En el 26 November 2025, a cyclonic weather system in the Indian Ocean strengthened into Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall in Sri Lanka. The cyclone brought torrential rains, strong winds, and heavy storms that battered much of the island, especially the central highlands and the western areas, including the capital and surrounding regions. Those rains overwhelmed rivers, reservoirs, and drainage systems — some crucial infrastructure, like flood defenses, could not cope — triggering catastrophic floods, landslides, and mudslides.

 Impact so far — death toll, damage, displacement

• The disaster has become one of the worst in recent memory. As of now, the toll has risen sharply: over 330 people have died, con hundreds still reported missing.
• Más de 1.3 million people across the island are affected — many displaced, with large numbers staying in temporary shelters or requiring emergency aid.
• Thousands of homes have been destroyed or severely damaged — some reports estimate tens of thousands of houses lost.
• The floods and landslides hit particularly hard in the central mountainous, tea-growing regions such as Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, where hillside collapses buried houses and cut off roads and rail links.
• In and around the capital of Colombo, suburbs and low-lying areas were severely flooded as the Kelani River overflowed, prompting evacuations and widespread disruption.

Even though the initial cyclone has passed, Sri Lanka continues to grapple with cascading consequences, including blocked or destroyed roads and collapsed bridges that hinder rescue, relief, and reconstruction efforts—leaving many remote areas difficult to access—along with widespread disruptions to electricity, clean water, communication, and transport networks, and massive humanitarian needs as hundreds of thousands of displaced people require shelter, food, medical care, and long-term support. The threat of secondary disasters persists — mudslides, further flooding, and unstable terrain remain risks, as hillsides and water bodies haven’t yet stabilized.

Some of our convents and several families of our sisters and partners-in-mission have been affected by ongoing challenges in their local communities. While each situation is unique, the impact has been felt across our congregation as we accompany one another through uncertainty and hardship.

We remain deeply grateful for the strength, faith, and solidarity shown by our sisters, and for the support offered by friends and benefactors during this time. Please continue to pray for our communities and the families of our sisters, as we work together to ensure that each person receives the care, comfort, and assistance they need.

Relief operations — involving military, police, volunteers, and foreign aid — are ongoing, but given the scale, the recovery process will likely take weeks to months.

Sisters and partners-in-mission traveled to the areas most severely affected by the recent floods, bringing with them not only essential supplies but also a spirit of compassion and hope. As they moved through the damaged areas, they listened to the stories of those who had lost homes, belongings, and a sense of stability. With gentle care, they provided urgent assistance—food, clean water, clothing, and basic necessities—to families who had been left with so little.

Beyond providing material support, our sisters offered comfort, prayers, and a reassuring presence to those struggling in the aftermath of the disaster. Their dedication and willingness to serve reminded everyone that even in moments of hardship, kindness and solidarity can bring light. Their efforts helped restore dignity, inspire resilience, and strengthen the bonds within the community during a time of great need.

There are places that no one could still reach. We are waiting until we can find some way to reach out to them as well.