‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
Sri Lanka has been hit by the most severe cyclone this century and The Salvation Army has been working tirelessly to help those in need.
On 28 November, the South-Asian nation of Sri Lanka was struck by Cyclone Ditwah which left catastrophic flooding, landslides and loss of life in its wake. It is the most severe cyclone to hit the country this century.
The human impact has been heartbreaking. Over two million people have been affected, the death toll has surpassed 600 and over 200 individuals remain unaccounted for. More than 75,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, and persistent rainfall continues to destabilise hillsides, especially in the central mountainous areas, placing communities at further risk.
Despite ongoing dangers, The Salvation Army mobilised swiftly and compassionately. Teams were deployed to the hardest-hit areas to provide urgent assistance, while support continues to expand to other affected regions.
In collaboration with government disaster response teams, The Salvation Army has distributed hot meals and clean drinking water. Local centres, including in Rambukkana, have opened their doors to shelter families who have lost everything. From Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa, Salvation Army teams have assessed urgent needs and delivered essential supplies to help communities begin the long process of recovery.
Close coordination with government authorities ensures the organisation’s efforts are aligned with national response plans and directed where help is needed most.
Beyond food and shelter, The Salvation Army is responding to urgent requests from Sri Lanka’s national health services, including to support blood donation camps that are working around the clock on replenishing critical blood supplies. With floodwaters limiting access to hygiene products there exists an increasing risk of water-borne illnesses. Responding to this problem, The Salvation Army is distributing hygiene kits whilst aiding medical teams working to safeguard community health.
‘Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our response,’ said Colonel Nihal Hettiarachchi, leader of The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka. ‘Many young Salvation Army members are working tirelessly to help families clean and repair their homes, offering comfort and practical support during an incredibly difficult time. Their dedication reflects the true spirit of rebuilding together and embodies The Salvation Army’s mission to serve others in Jesus’ name.
‘We remain committed to standing with the people of Sri Lanka, restoring dignity, meeting essential needs and helping rebuild the lives of those who have lost so much.’
The Salvation Army in Nepal is supporting communities devastated by the glacial collapse, catastrophic floods and landslides
The Salvation Army is working with partners and local contacts to assess needs and support communities affected by the unfolding emergency in Nepal, with some of the hardest-hit areas still inaccessible.
Members of The Salvation Army around the world are being encouraged to mark Creation Sunday on 6 September 2026, joining Christians from many traditions in praising God as Creator and renewing their commitment to care for his world.
Plans are being made to join the international response
Two people have died after presenting with Ebola symptoms at The Salvation Army’s Kansangani clinic in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Salvation Army teams are providing emergency assistance and long-term support to communities affected by a succession of devastating earthquakes across the Philippines, Indonesia, Venezuela, Japan and most recently Colombia
Copyright © 2026 The General of The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army International Trust and The Salvation Army Retired Officers Allowance Scheme are charities registered in England and Wales with respective numbers 1000566 and 1153681. Their sole trustee is The Salvation Army International Trustee Company, a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales (no. 02538134) at 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH
Loading comments…