Colombo: More than a month after Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka, over a million people are still struggling to recover, as floods and continuous rain keep worsening the situation.
The cyclone hit the eastern coast of Sri Lanka on November 28, leaving at least 643 people dead and 183 still missing. According to the United Nations, around 1.8 million people across the country continue to feel the impact of the disaster. Nearly two thirds of them need humanitarian assistance, including close to half a million children.
Authorities and aid workers report damage in all nine provinces. Public services remain disrupted, and vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and low income families face growing risks. Reports indicate that nearly 30 percent of affected families are eating less food as shortages and rising prices increase hunger concerns.
The World Bank estimates that damage to homes and infrastructure could reach 4.1 billion dollars, roughly four percent of Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product. Officials warn that the overall cost of recovery is likely to be even higher.
Children are among the worst affected. The UNICEF says gaps are emerging in child protection, education, nutrition, and access to clean water and sanitation. Many children remain in temporary shelters or with host families, often without proper lighting, privacy, or hygiene facilities.
Education has also taken a major hit. More than one thousand schools and six universities were damaged, and around five hundred schools are still being used as relief centres. While some students have been moved to nearby functioning schools, aid groups say temporary classrooms are urgently needed to reduce learning disruptions.
The International Organization for Migration estimates that nearly 300,000 people cannot yet return to their homes. Many are staying in schools, religious buildings, or temporary dormitories, while others rely on the support of local families.
Sri Lanka has received emergency aid from countries including China, the United States, and members of the European Union, all of whom have also pledged support for long term recovery. This month, UN agencies and partners launched a humanitarian priorities plan, appealing for 35.3 million dollars to help those most in need.
Humanitarian groups caution that without steady funding and continued international support, recovery will be slow, and millions of Sri Lankans will remain at risk in the months ahead.