Gampola Rebounds: Recovery in One of the Hardest-Hit Areas of Cyclone Ditawah
Gampola District continues to recover following Cyclone Ditawah, which caused unprecedented rainfall, severe flooding, and landslides. Floodwaters exceeded six feet in several areas, submerging homes, schools, streets, and commercial zones. Even after waters receded, thick mud deposits and landslide debris continued to obstruct roads and disrupt daily life.
The district faces extensive damage to homes, public infrastructure, and essential services, including electricity, water supply, and sanitation. Road access remains a challenge in some areas due to landslide debris, slowing relief delivery and reconstruction. Many displaced families are navigating government compensation and rebuilding processes, which require documentation and follow-up, causing delays in initiating reconstruction.
Disruptions to Educational Continuity
Educational institutions in Gampola were significantly affected, with one school completely submerged, resulting in the loss of classrooms, furniture, learning materials, and critical administrative records. Several other schools sustained varying levels of damage, disrupting normal teaching schedules and hindering students’ access to education. While education stakeholders and community members have mobilised to support cleanup and rebuilding, substantial efforts are still required to fully restore safe and functional learning environments. This includes rebuilding infrastructure, replacing lost materials, and providing support to teachers and students to ensure that educational continuity is reestablished and children can resume their studies without further delays.
Business Recovery and Livelihoods
Gampola city, including its main commercial areas, remains in a recovery phase. Many shops were flooded, leading to substantial losses of stock and equipment. While some businesses continue to face financial strain, several shops have reopened, supported by neighbouring traders and unaffected community members. These efforts have enabled the gradual restoration of livelihoods and local economic activity, highlighting emerging business resilience despite ongoing challenges.
Relief and Community-Led Response
Coordinated relief efforts are ongoing, with over 1,000 volunteers from NGOs, local organisations, and community groups supporting cleanup and response activities. The Gampola Municipal Council has played a central role in coordinating debris removal, clearing public spaces, and reopening roads blocked by mud, rocks, and fallen trees, improving access for residents and relief teams.
Team A-PAD visited the affected areas to assess the impact, gauge community needs, and better understand recovery and business resilience at the local level. A-PAD Sri Lanka has also contributed to the response by distributing essential relief items.
As recovery progresses, residents are gradually accessing government compensation and beginning to rebuild homes and livelihoods. The combined efforts of communities, local authorities, volunteers, and aid partners continue to support Gampola’s path toward stabilisation, economic recovery, and stronger resilience in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditawah.
Learn more about the impact in Gampola and our ongoing relief efforts – DOWNLOAD REPORT
