Sri Lanka Unveils Major Cyclone Aid Plan Amidst Persistent Rains & Landslide Fears; Over 2 Million Affected, IMF Considers Extra Aid

Sri Lanka Ramps Up Cyclone Relief Efforts Amidst Lingering Threats

COLOMBO – The island nation of Sri Lanka has activated a comprehensive compensation and rebuilding program aimed at assisting the millions devastated by a powerful cyclone. This urgent response comes as the country continues to grapple with heavy rainfall, the looming threat of landslides, and widespread flooding, which has left a trail of destruction.

Humanitarian Crisis and Government Response

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has characterized the recent natural disaster as the most formidable challenge the nation has faced. The tragic toll includes 607 confirmed deaths, with an additional 214 individuals still unaccounted for and presumed lost. The cyclone's impact is staggering, affecting over two million people, which accounts for nearly 10 percent of Sri Lanka's total population.

In a crucial announcement on December 5, the finance ministry outlined a substantial aid package. Survivors whose homes sustained damage are eligible for up to 10 million rupees (approximately S$42,000). This fund is intended to facilitate the purchase of land in safer locations and the construction of new dwellings. Furthermore, the government has pledged one million rupees as compensation for each life lost or for individuals suffering permanent disabilities.

Scale of Destruction and Shelter Operations

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has provided grim statistics, reporting that more than 71,000 homes were damaged, with nearly 5,000 completely destroyed by the floods and landslides that occurred last week. While the number of displaced individuals sheltering in state-run facilities has decreased from a peak of 225,000 to approximately 150,000, the task of recovery remains immense and ongoing.

International Support and Economic Resilience

International assistance is proving vital. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed it is actively considering Sri Lanka’s appeal for an additional US$200 million (S$259 million). This potential new funding would supplement a US$347 million tranche that the country is already slated to receive in December. The Washington-based lender reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during this trying period, emphasizing its dedication to recovery, rebuilding, and fostering future resilience.

The recent Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka at a particularly sensitive time, just as the nation was showing signs of recovery from its severe economic crisis of 2022, which had led to a US$2.9 billion IMF bailout loan in early 2023. Addressing parliament, President Dissanayake acknowledged the significant economic rebound but conceded that the economy was not yet robust enough to independently absorb the profound shock of this latest disaster.

Ongoing Threats and Clean-up Challenges

Adding to the challenges, the DMC has issued warnings of further rainfall across numerous regions, especially in the central areas already severely impacted. These forecasts are reigniting fears of additional landslides, which are already impeding crucial clean-up and relief operations. In light of these risks, authorities have issued stringent advice to residents evacuated from landslide-prone central hills: do not return home immediately, even if their properties appear unharmed, following a fresh landslide alert issued on December 5 covering new areas.