December 15, Colombo (LNW): The number of fatalities associated with Cyclone Ditwah has continued to rise more than two weeks after the storm struck Sri Lanka, according to the latest update issued by the Disaster Management Centre.
The DMC confirmed that 644 deaths have now been linked to the severe weather, while 183 people are still reported missing as search operations and assessments proceed in affected areas.
Kandy District has recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 237 deaths attributed to the cyclone and its aftermath. Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts have also been heavily impacted, reporting 89 and 88 deaths respectively.
The extreme weather has affected all 25 districts across the country, disrupting the lives of nearly 1.35 million people from more than 385,000 families. At present, over 70,000 individuals representing 22,638 families remain in 766 temporary relief centres.
Housing damage remains extensive, with 6,163 homes completely destroyed and a further 112,171 suffering partial damage. Authorities say relief, resettlement and reconstruction efforts are ongoing, as communities continue to grapple with the long-term consequences of the disaster.
