Lions Lead Relief and Recovery After Catastrophic Flooding in Southern Asia

In late November, two tropical cyclones swept across South and Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka and southern India were struck by Cyclone Ditwah, resulting in severe flooding and destructive landslides. Around the same time, Cyclone Senyar brought heavy rainfall to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

From the earliest hours of the disasters, Lions were on the ground, mobilizing their nationwide networks to reach affected families. Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) moved quickly to award Disaster Relief Grants to support the Lions’ immediate relief and longer-term recovery efforts.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was among the hardest hit by Cyclone Ditwah. More than 1.5 million people were affected, with over 600 lives lost and approximately 232,000 people displaced to safety centers. Damage across the country is estimated to exceed US$1.6 billion. To support the response, LCIF approved a US$300,000 Major Catastrophe Grant, helping Lions provide emergency relief, clean water, food, medical supplies and shelter support to families who lost nearly everything.

According to Council Chairperson Lion Shyana Jayalath “Cyclone Ditwah has tested the resilience of the nation, but it has also revealed the unwavering dedication of our volunteers. Lions remain steadfast in their mission: to restore dignity, stability and hope to every family impacted by this disaster.”

As floodwaters receded, Lions in Sri Lanka moved to the second phase of recovery.

“Many homes, schools and community spaces remain covered in mud and debris, and sanitation threats are emerging,” said Jayalath. “Lions are providing cleaning support, disinfecting and sanitizing living spaces, and helping families prepare to return home safely. We will continue to assist those in the safety centers ensuring they receive ongoing supplies of food, clothing, medicines and hygiene items.”

Sri Lanka Photo Credit Ricky Simms, Majority World, Universal Images Group via Getty Images — Photo credit: Krishan Kariyawasam, NurPhoto via Getty Images – Cyclone Ditwah in Kaduwela, on the outskirts of Colombo

Southeast Asia

In Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, Cyclone Senyar brought torrential rainfall affecting more than 1.2 million households, with over 1,300 deaths reported and more than 200,000 people displaced.

LCIF supported relief efforts in Thailand with a US$100,000 Major Catastrophe Grant, allowing Lions to distribute emergency relief bags, provide clean drinking water and support temporary shelters for families.

Reflecting on the devastation, Past International Director Somsakdi Lovisuth of Thailand shared, “It was a deeply moving experience. Seeing the destruction firsthand and meeting families who had lost everything was a powerful reminder of how important our service truly is. Their gratitude strengthened my commitment as a Lion to stand with our communities in their time of need.”

Cyclone Senyar also struck western Indonesia. The island of Sumatra was hit the hardest with more than 900 lives lost, over 220 people missing and several thousand injured. LCIF approved a US$100,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to support the Lions’ emergency response efforts, including medical assistance, food distribution and support for displaced families.

LCIF Disaster Relief Grants

With LCIF disaster relief grants, Lions can provide vital relief for communities devastated by hurricanes, floods, fires and other major events. Learn more at lcif.org/disaster-relief.