Sri Lanka offers compensation for cyclone victims, with 607 dead and 2 million affected, as more rain hampers recovery efforts.
COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government has announced a major compensation package for victims of a deadly cyclone as heavy rains continue to threaten the island.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has described Cyclone Ditwah as the country’s most challenging natural disaster.
Official figures confirm 607 deaths, with 214 people still missing and feared dead.
More than two million people, nearly 10% of the population, have been affected by the disaster.
The finance ministry stated survivors can receive up to 10 million rupees (USD 33,000) to buy safer land and build a new house.
Compensation of one million rupees will also be provided for each person killed or permanently disabled.
The Disaster Management Centre reported over 71,000 damaged homes, including nearly 5,000 completely destroyed.
Around 150,000 people remain in state-run shelters, down from a peak of 225,000.
The International Monetary Fund is considering Sri Lanka’s request for an additional USD 200 million in emergency support.
The IMF stated it remains closely engaged and committed to supporting the country’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Cyclone Ditwah struck as Sri Lanka was emerging from its worst economic crisis, following a USD 2.9 billion IMF bailout loan.
President Dissanayake told parliament the economy had recovered significantly but was not strong enough to withstand this shock alone.
The Disaster Management Centre warns more rain is expected, particularly in the worst-affected central region.
The ongoing bad weather has hampered clean-up operations and raised fears of further landslides.
Residents evacuated from landslide-prone central hills have been advised not to return home immediately.
A fresh landslide alert was issued on Friday for areas not covered by previous warnings.
