UAE expresses solidarity with Sri Lanka, offers condolences over cyclone victims
- Last updated: November 28, 2025 | 21:55 ..
The UAE has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka over the victims of the cyclone that swept across the country, resulting in dozens of deaths, the displacement of thousands of people, and significant damage.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Sri Lanka over this tragedy.
Cyclone Ditwah swept northward across Sri Lanka on Friday, leaving 46 people dead and 23 missing amid widespread floods, with torrential rain and strong winds expected to cause more flooding in the next 12 hours.
Most deaths were caused by landslides triggered by more than 300mm (12 inches) of rainfall in the eastern and central regions, according to officials.
Nearly 44,000 people were affected nationwide, and many sought refuge in schools and public shelters, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
The Irrigation Department said it expected the floods that have already affected countless areas across southern and eastern Sri Lanka, including many parts of the capital, Colombo, to spread even further.
The Colombo Stock Exchange halted trading early, and schools and train services remained suspended.
Military and police coordinated evacuations, including the airlifting of 13 people trapped on a bridge in Polonnaruwa, 220 km northeast of Colombo, the air force said.
Numerous families trapped on rooftops and one man stranded on top of a coconut tree were also airlifted to safety, air force footage released to media showed.
Heavy rains disrupted operations at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), forcing the diversion of 15 flights to airports including Trivandrum and Cochin in south India, Sri Lanka's Airport and Aviation Services said.
WAM / Reuters