Sri Lanka Nearly Doubles Military Deployment for Cyclone Disaster Recovery
Sri Lanka has significantly expanded its military presence across regions devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, almost doubling troop numbers to accelerate rescue and recovery efforts after the deadly storm claimed 627 lives, the army announced on Monday.
The cyclone — the most destructive to hit the island this century — has affected more than two million people, nearly 10 percent of the population. With fresh monsoon rains expected to exceed 50 millimetres in several areas, including the hardest-hit central highlands, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has issued renewed warnings for possible landslides and severe thundershowers.
Since the torrential rains triggered widespread flooding and landslides on November 27, another 190 people remain missing. The DMC urged residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions amid volatile weather conditions.
Army Commander Lasantha Rodrigo confirmed that 38,500 military personnel are now on the ground—almost twice the initial deployment—supporting relief, rescue, and major clean-up operations. “Since the disaster began, our forces have rescued 31,116 people in distress,” he said in a recorded statement.
According to Army Spokesman Waruna Gamage, as immediate rescues taper off, the focus has shifted to rebuilding essential infrastructure. “We have almost doubled the deployment as we are now engaged in repairing roads and bridges, and helping to clean contaminated drinking-water wells,” he told AFP.
The island’s central tea-growing region has suffered the greatest toll, with 471 deaths reported so far.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake—who has called this crisis the most formidable challenge faced by any Sri Lankan administration—visited several disaster-hit communities last week to oversee relief work.
He also announced a recovery package offering 10 million rupees ($33,000) to help families purchase land in safer areas and rebuild their homes.
Additional support will include livelihood assistance, cash grants, and funds for essential household items.
However, the overall cost of the relief programme remains uncertain. The government, still recovering from the 2022 economic meltdown that depleted national foreign reserves, has appealed for international aid, including assistance from the International Monetary Fund.
More than 75,000 homes have been damaged nationwide, with nearly 5,000 completely destroyed. Earlier estimates suggest that full recovery and reconstruction could cost as much as US$7 billion.
