International Desk: The destruction caused by the severe Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka continues to worsen. Unrelenting torrential rains and massive landslides have pushed the nation into a humanitarian crisis. The death toll has climbed to 627, while the total fatalities across Asia have crossed 1,800.

According to Colombo authorities, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) issued fresh landslide alerts on Sunday, warning that central hill regions and north-western areas have become extremely unstable.

Nearly 2 million people—about 10% of Sri Lanka’s population—have been affected by the cyclone. Experts are calling Cyclone Ditwah the deadliest storm of this century for the region. Several areas remain cut off due to landslides, forcing emergency responders to deliver aid via helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

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Scale of Destruction

• Over 75,000 houses damaged
• Nearly 5,000 homes completely destroyed
• 627 deaths so far, including 464 from tea-estate hill regions
• 209 people still missing

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Relief Situation and Economic Impact

The number of people staying in relief camps has reduced from 225,000 to about 100,000 as floodwaters begin to recede.
Government estimates suggest that reconstruction may cost up to USD 7 billion.

The IMF stated that it is reviewing Sri Lanka’s request for an additional USD 200 million in emergency support.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament that although Sri Lanka’s economy had begun stabilizing, the nation is not prepared to absorb the shock of a disaster of this scale.