’Ditwah’ leaves 2.2 million people affected across Sri Lanka
– The total number of people affected by Cyclone Ditwah has risen to 2.2 million, with 1.7 million people severely impacted, according to the latest figures released by the Disaster Management Centre.Director General of the Centre, Sampath Kotuwegoda, said that approximately 495,000 families have been affected by the cyclone and its aftermath.
He further revealed that 629 bodies have been recovered so far, while 211 people remain missing, based on reports received from District Coordination Offices. Search and recovery operations are continuing in landslide-affected and other disaster-hit areas.
Major General Kotuwegoda noted that while some residents have refused to leave affected locations, the Government has no plans to forcibly evacuate them. He added that a number of displaced persons are currently staying with relatives, rather than in formal relief centres.Authorities continue to monitor the situation as relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts remain underway across affected districts.