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Sri Lanka has significantly increased its military presence in regions devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, described as the island’s worst disaster this century.
The cyclone, which caused heavy rains, landslides, and floods starting on November 27, has led to 627 confirmed deaths, with 190 people still missing.
Over two million people, nearly 10% of the population, have been affected.
The army chief announced that the deployment has almost doubled to 38,500 security personnel, shifting from rescue efforts—which saved 31,116 people—to recovery and clean-up.
Troops are now focused on rebuilding damaged infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, and purifying flood-contaminated drinking water wells. The tea-growing central region was the most heavily impacted, reporting 471 fatalities.
As the country anticipates further heavy monsoon rains and landslide warnings, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is spearheading the recovery.
He unveiled a relief package that includes a 10 million rupee ($33,000) grant for victims to purchase safer land and rebuild, alongside cash assistance for livelihood support.
The government, still recovering from a severe 2022 economic crisis, has appealed for foreign aid to meet the estimated $7 billion needed for reconstruction and recovery.
