Sri Lanka announces $33,000 aid plan as Cyclone Ditwah toll rises
More than 425 homes were damaged in mudslides, with over nearly 1,800 families moved to temporary shelters. PHOTO: AFP
Disaster-hit Sri Lanka has unveiled a major compensation package to rebuild homes damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island last week, as authorities brace for continued heavy rains, flooding, and landslides.
The government has confirmed 607 deaths and 214 people missing, while more than two million people, nearly 10% of the population, have been affected.
Survivors will be offered up to Rs 10 million ($33,000) to purchase land in safer areas and rebuild homes. Families of those killed or permanently disabled will receive 1 million rupees per person, the finance ministry said.
Read: Death toll in Sri Lanka rises to 153 after Cyclone Ditwah
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported over 71,000 homes damaged, including nearly 5,000 completely destroyed. Around 150,000 people remain in state-run shelters, down from a peak of 225,000.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is reviewing Sri Lanka’s request for an additional $200 million in aid, on top of a $347 million tranche due this month. The IMF said it remains “closely engaged with the Sri Lankan authorities… to support recovery, rebuilding, and resilience efforts.”
Read More: Sri Lanka floodwaters rise, death toll hits 69
In an international relief effort, Pakistan dispatched a 47-member NDMA team along with 6.5 tons of essential equipment to assist Sri Lanka, including tents, blankets, life jackets, de-watering pumps, infant food, and medicines. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the mission aimed to support humanitarian and rescue operations in the areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Additional relief items, including temporary bridges from the Pakistan Army, were also sent to help restore access in flood-hit regions.
The DMC warned that more rain is expected, especially in the central region, raising fears of new landslides. Residents evacuated from landslide-prone areas have been advised not to return home until conditions stabilize, as a fresh landslide alert covers areas not previously warned.