Cyclone Ditwah Death toll reaches 638 nationwide

The death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has risen to 638, with 175 people still missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre. Nearly 500,000 people from 149,460 families remain affected across the island.

Kandy District recorded the highest number of fatalities with 241 deaths and 69 missing persons. Badulla reported 89 deaths, while Nuwara Eliya recorded 80 deaths and 33 missing. Authorities said 76,801 people from 10,340 families are currently housed in 358 emergency shelters, while another 267,700 people are staying with relatives or in temporary accommodation.

The cyclone destroyed 6,121 houses and partially damaged more than 114,000 homes, significantly increasing reconstruction needs. Emergency relief efforts are continuing with international support, including approximately US$200 million in IMF emergency financing, as Sri Lanka prepares for large-scale rebuilding in 2026.

 

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