Sri Lanka Announces Special Fund After Devastating Cyclone Ditwah

Sri Lanka has launched a special recovery fund. The announcement came on Monday. It follows catastrophic flooding and landslides from Cyclone Ditwah. The death toll has now reached 390 people.Another 352 individuals remain missing. The government confirmed the fund’s creation. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s office stated it is essential for national recovery.

Massive Scale of the Disaster Demands Coordinated Response

The disaster’s impact is immense. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), over 1.3 million people are affected. More than 200,000 people are currently staying in safety centres. Kandy, Badulla, and Nuwara Eliya districts reported the highest fatalities.Housing damage is extensive. The DMC reports 432 homes were fully destroyed. A further 15,688 houses suffered partial damage. The financial burden for rebuilding is beyond the national treasury’s capacity alone.President Dissanayake acknowledged the deep damage. He said it is greater than what is visible on the surface. A Joint Management Committee will oversee the new fund. It will include both public and private sector contributions.

International Aid and Assessment Underway for Long-Term Recovery

The World Bank is involved in assessing the damage. It was commissioned to conduct a Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE). This detailed assessment is expected within two weeks. It will guide the financial requirements for reconstruction.International assistance continues to arrive. India has been at the forefront of the initial response. The Indian Navy’s INS Sukanya delivered more relief supplies to Trincomalee port on Monday. India also completed evacuating its stranded nationals.Other nations have pledged support. The UK announced $890,000 in urgent humanitarian aid. China promised a $1 million cash donation plus relief supplies. Australia committed one million Australian dollars for urgent community relief.

Eternally Yours CBS Pilot Casts Ed Weeks as Vampire Husband

The establishment of the Sri Lanka cyclone fund marks a critical step toward long-term rebuilding. It coordinates national resources with vital international support. The nation faces a long road to recovery from one of its worst natural disasters in decades.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

What is Cyclone Ditwah?

Cyclone Ditwah was a severe storm that struck Sri Lanka. It triggered massive floods and deadly landslides across multiple districts. The event has been classified as a major national disaster.

Which areas in Sri Lanka were hit hardest?

The districts of Kandy, Badulla, and Nuwara Eliya reported the most casualties. The Disaster Management Centre states these central and eastern regions bore the brunt of the landslides and flooding.

How is India helping Sri Lanka?

India launched a rapid humanitarian mission named Operation Sagar Bandhu. It included airlifting evacuees and deploying naval ships with supplies. Indian Air Force helicopters also assisted in rescue operations.

What will the World Bank’s GRADE assessment do?

The GRADE provides a fast, standardized estimate of disaster damage and losses. For Sri Lanka, it will quantify the financial need for rebuilding infrastructure, housing, and livelihoods across sectors.

Are more bad weather conditions expected?

The DMC forecast warns of further showers in several provinces. It advised the public to stay cautious of localized strong winds and lightning during ongoing thunderstorms.