The total number of people affected by Cyclone “Ditwah” has increased to 2.2 million, with 1.7 million people severely impacted, according to the latest figures released by the Disaster Management Center.
Director General of the Centre, Sampath Kotuwegoda, said that approximately 495,000 families have been affected by the cyclone and its subsequent impacts.
He further stated 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 areas and other disaster-hit locations.
Major General Kotuwegoda noted that although some residents have refused to evacuate affected areas, the Government has no plans to forcibly remove them. He added that many displaced persons are currently residing with relatives instead of staying in formal relief centres.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation as relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts remain underway across affected districts.
