Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) Report : Cyclone Ditwah 2025 - Sri Lanka

Overview & Synopsis

Cyclone Ditwah passed over the east of Sri Lanka between November 27 and 29 before moving into the Bay of Bengal. Sustained winds of 65 km/h were recorded, and rainfall was intense, causing devastating flooding. This Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) report provides a synopsis of the estimated direct physical damage in Sri Lanka due to the passage of Cyclone Ditwah. The report is based on a rapid and remote post-disaster damage assessment which follows the established GRADE methodology (World Bank, 2018a) and is prepared within a short timeframe to inform early decision-making. It is not intended as a substitute for the detailed, sectoral, on-the-ground analysis which may be conducted in the weeks and months after a disaster. The objective of this report is to provide an estimate of the direct physical damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025 in Sri Lanka. The assessment provides information on the spatial and sectoral distribution of damage to help calibrate other damage estimates and support the development of a roadmap for recovery and reconstruction.