The United Nations in Sri Lanka has released its latest situation overview on Cyclone Ditwah, warning that the disaster has triggered the most extensive flooding and landslide damage in two decades, affecting 2.2 million people across all 25 districts.
According to the Disaster Management Centre, as of December 29, 2025, the cyclone had claimed 646 lives and left 173 missing.
“Cyclone Ditwah has created a complex and evolving displacement landscape,” UN Sri Lanka noted, with more than 165,000 people still displaced or staying with host families, and 85 Safety Centres hosting around 6,680 people.
Housing damage remains severe, with nearly 6,000 homes destroyed and over 108,000 partially damaged, while water and sanitation systems in rural areas remain largely unrepaired.
The UN highlighted urgent protection concerns, particularly for women and children, citing inadequate safe spaces, poor lighting, and heightened risks of gender-based violence.
It also reported that 113 children lost one or both parents, including 15 who were fully orphaned, raising serious concerns about household stability and child welfare.
Health authorities, meanwhile, warn of rising malnutrition risks among children under five, underscoring the need for sustained humanitarian support under the UN Humanitarian Priorities Plan.
Full report: https://srilanka.un.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/Cyclone_Ditwah__SitRep%20%237.pdf (Newswire)