Sri Lankan Man Rescued After Clinging to Coconut Tree Overnight as Deadly Floods Ravage Country

Sri Lankan Man Rescued After Clinging to Coconut Tree Overnight as Deadly Floods Ravage Country

A Sri Lankan man who spent the entire night clinging to the top of a coconut tree to escape raging floodwaters has been dramatically rescued by the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF), according to a report by the New York Post on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

A video shared on X by the New York Post shows the tense rescue, which took place on Friday, November 28, after more than 12 hours of severe flooding triggered by relentless rainfall nationwide.

According to SLAF officials, the victim climbed the tall palm tree on Thursday evening as rapidly rising waters encircled his home. With access routes completely submerged and no safe escape to higher ground, he remained perched in the swaying fronds throughout the night, holding on for his life.

Rescue teams reported that the affected area had become unreachable by land due to the intensity of the flooding, forcing them to wait until air support could be deployed.

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Footage released by the Air Force shows a helicopter hovering above the tree as a rescue officer descended via winch. The man—exhausted, drenched, and gripping the trunk—was secured in a harness and safely lifted aboard. Officials noted that strong winds, heavy rain, and unstable terrain made the operation especially difficult.

The dramatic rescue comes amid one of Sri Lanka’s most devastating flood emergencies in recent years. The country’s Disaster Management Centre confirmed on Friday that at least 69 people had died, while 34 remained missing. Torrential rains have affected all 25 districts, unleashing widespread flooding and landslides that have destroyed homes, washed away road networks, and displaced thousands.

Emergency responders, including the military, police, and community volunteers, continue round-the-clock efforts to reach stranded residents. Authorities have urged people in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately, warning that additional rainfall could further worsen the already critical situation.

Sri Lankan Man Rescued After Clinging to Coconut Tree Overnight as Deadly Floods Ravage Country