Sri Lanka has nearly doubled its military deployment to assist regions devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed 627 people and affected more than two million, nearly 10 percent of the population.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has warned of continued heavy monsoon rains exceeding 50 millimetres, particularly in the central region, while alerting residents to potential landslides and strong winds in the coming days.
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Army chief Lasantha Rodrigo confirmed that 38,500 security personnel are now engaged in rescue and recovery operations, helping rebuild roads, bridges, and contaminated drinking water wells across flood-affected and landslide-hit areas.
Since the cyclone struck on November 27, security forces have rescued over 31,000 people. Army spokesman Waruna Gamage said additional troops are now focused on recovery, including clearing debris and restoring essential infrastructure.
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The central tea-growing region was hardest hit, with 471 fatalities reported. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited affected areas and introduced a recovery package, providing 10 million rupees per victim to buy land and rebuild homes.
The government also plans to offer cash assistance for food, bedding, and kitchen essentials. Officials estimate reconstruction costs could reach US$7 billion, prompting appeals for international support, including aid from the International Monetary Fund.