Sri Lanka doubles troop deployment as cyclone death toll rises

December 08, 2025 / 12:56 PM

Sharjah24-AFP: Sri Lanka has nearly doubled its military presence in disaster-hit regions after Cyclone Ditwah claimed 627 lives and affected more than two million people. The army confirmed on Monday that 38,500 security personnel are now deployed to assist with rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts across flood-affected and landslide-affected areas.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that 190 people remain missing following the intense rains that began on 27 November. The cyclone caused severe landslides and widespread flooding, with the tea-growing central region suffering the highest casualties, recording 471 deaths. Authorities have issued alerts for further heavy monsoon rains and potential landslides as conditions remain unstable.

Government support and international appeal

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described Cyclone Ditwah as the most challenging crisis encountered by any Sri Lankan government. He announced a relief package providing 10 million rupees (USD 33,000) for families to purchase safer land and rebuild homes, along with cash aid for household essentials and livelihood support.

However, with the country still recovering from a severe economic crisis, officials say the government cannot bear the reconstruction costs alone—estimated at up to USD 7 billion—and has called for international aid, including support from the IMF.