While some displaced families have begun to return to their homes, recent heavy rains have caused renewed flooding, landslides and road closures, particularly in the central districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Polonnaruwa.
According to UN assessments, nearly 1.8 million people (about 8 percent of the island nation’s population) remain affected. Among them, more than 1.2 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, including almost 527,000 children.
A joint rapid needs assessment led by national authorities and humanitarian partners confirmed extensive damage in all nine provinces, with severe disruptions to essential services and increased risks for women, children and people with disabilities.
Hunger and food insecurity are increasing; Nearly one in three households are reported to be food insecure, with many families turning to “coping strategies” such as cutting back on meals.
Child protection needs and response after Cyclone Ditwah.
Children at higher risk
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports on critical gaps in child protection, education, nutrition, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. Many children remain displaced in overcrowded centers or with foster families, where inadequate lighting, privacy and sanitation increase protection risks, including gender-based violence.
Education has been seriously affected. More than 1,300 schools and six universities were damaged, while some 500 schools continue to serve as temporary shelters.
Authorities have begun relocating students from damaged schools to nearby functioning schools, but aid workers warn that temporary learning spaces will be needed in several areas to avoid prolonged disruptions to education.
Despite the challenges, UNICEF and its partners have expanded emergency assistance, reaching more than 76,000 people with WASH services, almost 9,000 with nutritional support and more than 5,600 with child protection services.
Displacement and destruction
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than 272,000 people remain displaced, most remaining in host communities, while others take refuge in schools, religious buildings and community centers.
In mid-December, authorities reported 643 deaths and 183 people still missing. More than 107,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, making shelter one of the most urgent needs.
IOM teams on the ground are delivering shelter and essential relief items to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
Economic toll and food insecurity
The cyclone has dealt a severe blow to livelihoods.
A rapid post-disaster assessment by the World Bank estimated the damage at $4.1 billion, equivalent to 4 percent of the country’s GDP.
Agricultural losses are estimated at more than $800 million, and more than 58,000 hectares of rice fields were flooded in the eastern districts, threatening food production and incomes of small farmers.
Financing gap threatens recovery
At the Government’s request, UN agencies and humanitarian partners launched a Humanitarian Priorities Plan this month, seeking $35.3 million to support the most vulnerable.
UNICEF alone needs $7.8 million to sustain 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 continued support, recovery will be slow, especially for children, whose education, safety and well-being remain at risk as Sri Lanka faces a long and difficult recovery.