The cyclone struck the island’s eastern coast on November 28, causing widespread flooding and deadly landslides across all 25 districts. Although some displaced families have begun returning home, recent heavy rains have led to new flooding, landslides, and road closures, especially in central districts like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Polonnaruwa. UN assessments indicate that nearly 1.8 million people, about 8% of the country’s population, remain affected, with over 1.2 million needing humanitarian aid, including approximately 527,000 children. A joint rapid needs assessment by national authorities and humanitarian partners confirmed extensive damage in all nine provinces, severely disrupting essential services and heightening risks for women, children, and those with disabilities. Hunger and food insecurity are on the rise, with reports indicating nearly one in three households is food insecure, and many families are reducing meals as a coping strategy.
Child protection needs are critical post-Cyclone Ditwah, with UNICEF reporting significant gaps in child protection, education, nutrition, and WASH services. Many children are still displaced in overcrowded centers or with host families, where inadequate lighting, privacy, and sanitation increase protection risks, including gender-based violence. Education has suffered greatly, with more than 1,300 schools and six universities damaged, and around 500 schools serving as temporary shelters. Authorities are moving students from damaged schools to operational ones, but temporary learning spaces are needed to avoid prolonged educational disruptions. Despite challenges, UNICEF and partners have expanded emergency aid, providing over 76,000 people with WASH services, nearly 9,000 with nutrition support, and more than 5,600 with child protection services.
The IOM estimates over 272,000 people remain displaced, most with host communities, while others are in schools, religious buildings, and community centers. As of mid-December, authorities reported 643 deaths and 183 missing persons. More than 107,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, making shelter a critical need. IOM teams are on the ground delivering shelter and essential relief items to support affected communities. The cyclone has severely impacted livelihoods, with a World Bank rapid post-disaster assessment estimating damage at $4.1 billion, or 4% of the GDP. Agricultural losses are over $800 million, with over 58,000 hectares of paddy land flooded in eastern districts, threatening food production and incomes for smallholder farmers.
At the Government’s request, UN agencies and humanitarian partners launched a Humanitarian Priorities Plan seeking $35.3 million to support the most vulnerable. UNICEF alone needs $7.8 million for its emergency response for children, but as of December 23, less than half that amount had been received or pledged. Humanitarian agencies warn that without sustained funding and support, recovery will be slow, particularly for children, as Sri Lanka faces a long and difficult road to recovery.
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