NISD’S RESPONSE TO THE AFTERMATH OF CYCLONE “DITWAH”

Cyclone Ditwah (November 2025) caused widespread floods, landslides, and mass displacement in Sri Lanka, affecting nearly one million people and resulting in over 212 fatalities. The crisis created urgent humanitarian and protection needs, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Professional social workers, trained and supported by NISD, played a crucial role in immediate relief, focusing on psychosocial support, child protection, and equitable access to aid. Key activities included:
Psychosocial Stabilization: Deploying PFA teams to relief centers to address acute trauma and connect individuals with medical resources.

Child Protection & Family Tracing: Establishing Child-Friendly Spaces and implementing family tracing to prevent child separation and exploitation.

Equity & Inclusion Advocacy: Conducting vulnerability screenings, ensuring aid accessibility, and advocating for inclusive infrastructure for marginalized populations.