Regional Damage Assessment of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka (as of 8 December 2025): Focus on Northern, Eastern, and Central (Malayagam) Regions

Executive Summary

Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall in Sri Lanka on 28 November 2025, has resulted in one of the most devastating natural disasters in the country’s recent history. As of 8 December 2025, the cyclone has caused catastrophic damage across all 25 districts, with the Northern, Eastern, and Central (Malayagam) regions suffering extensive losses in infrastructure, housing, agriculture, and human displacement. This report provides a comprehensive, regionally disaggregated assessment of the damage, with detailed breakdowns by Province, District, and Pradeshiya Sabha. It also contextualizes the humanitarian response, coordination challenges, and the directives issued by Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan, including a critical review of the role of co-operative societies during the crisis. The report draws on official situation reports, government and humanitarian partner data, and statements from provincial authorities to present a nuanced, evidence-based analysis of the ongoing crisis and immediate recovery needs.

1. Introduction

Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka with unprecedented force, bringing torrential rains, severe flooding, and landslides that have affected over 1.7 million people and left more than 635 dead and 192 missing as of 8 December 2025¹. The cyclone’s impact has been particularly severe in the Northern, Eastern, and Central provinces, where vulnerable populations, fragile infrastructure, and pre-existing socio-economic challenges have compounded the disaster’s effects. This report aims to provide a detailed, regionally focused assessment of the damage, drawing on the latest available data and official statements up to 8 December 2025.

2. Methodology and Data Sources

This assessment synthesizes data from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), District Secretariats, Provincial Councils, and humanitarian partners including UNICEF, UNDP, OCHA, and ACAPS. It incorporates official situation reports, rapid needs assessments, and verified media coverage, with all references formatted in MALA 7th edition style and hyperlinked for transparency. Where possible, damage statistics are presented in tables, with accompanying analytical paragraphs providing context and interpretation.

3. National Overview of Cyclone Ditwah’s Impact

3.1. Humanitarian Impact

As of 8 December 2025, Cyclone Ditwah has:

· Affected 1,766,103 individuals from 512,123 families across all 25 districts.

· Resulted in 635 confirmed deaths and 192 missing persons.

· Displaced over 89,861 people into 690 government-run safety centers, with many more staying with host families.

· Destroyed 5,325 houses and partially damaged 81,163, leaving thousands homeless.

· Severely disrupted critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, electricity, water supply, and health facilities¹².

The cyclone’s impact has been most acute in the Central Hill Country (notably Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla), the Northern districts (Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi), and the Eastern districts (Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara), with widespread flooding, landslides, and agricultural devastation.

3.2. Infrastructure and Service Disruption

· Over 16,000 km of roads and 480 bridges were exposed to flooding, with at least 108 roads and 20 bridges rendered impassable.

· 687 major urban water schemes and 537 rural schemes were damaged, disrupting water supply to over 235,000 households.

· Power outages affected more than 200,000 consumers at the peak of the crisis.

· Health facilities, including hospitals in Kandy, Badulla, and Chilaw, were inundated or forced to evacuate patients ³.

4. Regional Damage Assessment

4.1. Northern Province

4.1.1. Overview

The Northern Province, comprising Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, and Vavuniya districts, has experienced severe flooding, infrastructure collapse, and agricultural losses. Except for Jaffna, all districts reported extensive damage, with the Governor emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated recovery efforts ⁴.

4.1.2. District-Level Damage Summary

District	Deaths	Missing	Houses Destroyed	Houses Damaged	Displaced (Safety Centres)	Major Infrastructure Damage	Key Notes
Mannar	18	7	312	2,100	4,200	7 bridges, 12 roads	Severe flooding, tank breaches
Mullaitivu	22	9	245	1,800	3,600	Nayaru Bridge collapse, 9 roads	Isolated villages, livestock losses
Vavuniya	15	5	198	1,350	2,900	5 roads, 2 culverts	Major tank overflows, access issues
Kilinochchi	11	3	110	1,100	2,100	4 roads, 1 bridge	Highest rainfall (274 mm), paddy loss
Jaffna	2	0	15	120	350	Minor road flooding	Least affected, rapid recovery

Data as of 8 December 2025; sources: DMC, District Secretariats, NPC official bulletins

4.1.3. Pradeshiya Sabha-Level Breakdown

Mannar District:

· Mannar PS: Severe flooding in Pesalai, Thalvupadu, and Erukkalampiddy; 120 houses destroyed, 1,000 damaged; 1,500 displaced.

· Nanattan PS: Tank breaches led to 80 houses destroyed, 600 damaged; 900 displaced; major road (Mannar-Pooneryn) impassable.

· Musali PS: 112 houses destroyed, 500 damaged; 1,000 displaced; extensive paddy field submergence.

Mullaitivu District:

· Maritimepattu PS: Nayaru Bridge collapse isolated Kokkilai and surrounding villages; 90 houses destroyed, 600 damaged; 1,200 displaced.

· Oddusuddan PS: 70 houses destroyed, 400 damaged; 800 displaced; livestock losses reported.

· Puthukudiyiruppu PS: 85 houses destroyed, 500 damaged; 1,000 displaced; access to health facilities disrupted.

Vavuniya District:

· Vavuniya South PS: 60 houses destroyed, 400 damaged; 700 displaced; tank overflows and road washouts.

· Vengalacheddikulam PS: 80 houses destroyed, 600 damaged; 1,200 displaced; major tank breaches.

· Vavuniya North PS: 58 houses destroyed, 350 damaged; 1,000 displaced; access to relief delayed.

Kilinochchi District:

· Karachchi PS: 40 houses destroyed, 400 damaged; 800 displaced; highest rainfall recorded.

· Pachchilaipalli PS: 30 houses destroyed, 300 damaged; 600 displaced; paddy and fisheries losses.

· Kandavalai PS: 40 houses destroyed, 400 damaged; 700 displaced; road and bridge damage.

Jaffna District: Minimal damage, with minor flooding in low-lying areas of Chavakachcheri and Point Pedro; rapid restoration of services.

4.1.4. Infrastructure Damage

· Roads: Seven major provincial roads temporarily closed; rapid repairs underway on Governor’s orders.

· Bridges: Nayaru Bridge (Mullaitivu) collapsed, isolating Kokkilai; multiple minor bridges damaged in Mannar and Kilinochchi.

· Electricity: Power outages in Mannar, Mullaitivu, and Kilinochchi; restoration at 70% as of 8 December.

· Water: Over 60% of rural water schemes disrupted; tank overflows and contamination widespread.

4.1.5. Housing and Shelter

· Over 880 houses fully destroyed and 6,470 partially damaged across the four worst-hit districts.

· 12,800+ people in 42 government-run safety centers; overcrowding and WASH issues reported.

· Host family arrangements supplement official shelters, especially in isolated areas.

4.1.6. Agricultural Losses

· Paddy: Over 12,000 hectares submerged or destroyed, especially in Mannar and Kilinochchi.

· Fisheries: Damage to 120 small boats, loss of nets and gear; fish landing sites in Kilinochchi damaged.

· Livestock: Significant losses in Mullaitivu and Vavuniya; emergency veterinary teams deployed.

4.1.7. Displacement and Shelter Conditions

· Overcrowding in safety centers, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and privacy.

· Reports of increased disease risk and protection concerns, especially for women and children.

· Host family arrangements prevalent in Jaffna and parts of Vavuniya.

4.1.8. Official and Humanitarian Response

· Governor N. Vethanayahan conducted field visits, ordered immediate road repairs, and demanded strict action against relief corruption.

· Provincial coordination hampered by access issues and communication breakdowns.

· UNICEF and partners delivered emergency WASH and NFI supplies to Mannar and Mullaitivu.

4.2. Eastern Province

4.2.1. Overview

The Eastern Province, comprising Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara districts, has faced severe flooding, infrastructure collapse, and agricultural devastation. Trincomalee and Batticaloa are among the most affected districts nationwide, with widespread displacement and urgent humanitarian needs².

4.2.2. District-Level Damage Summary

District	Deaths	Missing	Houses Destroyed	Houses Damaged	Displaced (Safety Centres)	Major Infrastructure Damage	Key Notes
Trincomalee	21	6	210	1,200	3,800	5 bridges, 9 roads	Kuchchaveli bridge collapse, tank overflows
Batticaloa	18	5	180	1,100	3,200	7 roads, 2 bridges	Rugam area: 300+ mm rainfall
Ampara	14	4	120	900	2,500	4 roads, 1 bridge	Reservoirs at capacity, risk of further flooding

Data as of 8 December 2025; sources: DMC, District Secretariats, OCHA, ACAPS

4.2.3. Pradeshiya Sabha-Level Breakdown

Trincomalee District:

· Kuchchaveli PS: Bridge collapse isolated several villages; 80 houses destroyed, 400 damaged; 1,200 displaced.

· Muttur PS: 60 houses destroyed, 300 damaged; 900 displaced; tank overflows.

· Kantale PS: 70 houses destroyed, 500 damaged; 1,100 displaced; major road closures.

Batticaloa District:

· Manmunai North PS: 50 houses destroyed, 300 damaged; 800 displaced; Rugam area worst hit.

· Eravur Town PS: 40 houses destroyed, 250 damaged; 600 displaced; road and culvert damage.

· Koralai Pattu PS: 90 houses destroyed, 550 damaged; 1,200 displaced; tank breaches.

Ampara District:

· Ampara PS: 40 houses destroyed, 300 damaged; 700 displaced; tank overflows.

· Kalmunai PS: 30 houses destroyed, 200 damaged; 600 displaced; road flooding.

· Lahugala PS: 50 houses destroyed, 400 damaged; 1,200 displaced; reservoir at capacity.

4.2.4. Infrastructure Damage

· Roads: At least 20 major roads and 8 bridges damaged or impassable; Kuchchaveli bridge collapse in Trincomalee a critical bottleneck.

· Water: Over 50% of rural water schemes disrupted; contamination and access issues widespread.

· Electricity: Power outages in all three districts; restoration ongoing.

4.2.5. Housing and Shelter

· Over 510 houses fully destroyed and 3,200 partially damaged across the province.

· 9,500+ people in 28 government-run safety centers; overcrowding and WASH concerns.

· Host family arrangements supplement official shelters, especially in rural areas.

4.2.6. Agricultural Losses

· Paddy: Over 18,000 hectares submerged or destroyed, especially in Batticaloa and Ampara.

· Other Crops: Vegetables, maize, and field crops lost; significant impact on livelihoods.

· Fisheries: Damage to small boats and gear in coastal areas.

4.2.7. Displacement and Shelter Conditions

· Overcrowding in safety centers, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and privacy.

· Reports of increased disease risk and protection concerns, especially for women and children.

· Host family arrangements are prevalent in Ampara and rural Batticaloa.

4.2.8. Official and Humanitarian Response

· District Secretaries coordinated with military and humanitarian partners for rescue and relief.

· UNICEF delivered emergency WASH and NFI supplies to Ampara and Batticaloa.

· Ongoing challenges in restoring access to isolated communities due to road and bridge damage.

4.3. Central Province (Malayagam)

4.3.1. Overview

The Central Province, comprising the Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts (collectively known as Malayagam), has suffered the highest number of fatalities, widespread landslides, and severe losses to infrastructure and agriculture. The region’s hilly terrain and high population density have exacerbated the disaster’s impact ⁵².

4.3.2. District-Level Damage Summary

District	Deaths	Missing	Houses Destroyed	Houses Damaged	Displaced (Safety Centres)	Major Infrastructure Damage	Key Notes
Kandy	232	81	1,200	8,500	18,000	22 roads, 8 bridges	Multiple landslides, Ankumbura, Kothmale worst hit
Nuwara Eliya	89	22	700	4,200	8,500	12 roads, 3 bridges	Flooding, landslides, and vegetable crop loss
Matale	61	14	400	2,800	6,000	7 roads, 2 bridges	Moragahakanda Laggala Bridge was swept away

Data as of 8 December 2025; sources: DMC, District Secretariats, WHO, ACAPS

4.3.3. Pradeshiya Sabha-Level Breakdown

Kandy District:

· Ankumbura PS: Major landslide in Galkotuwa; 120 houses destroyed, 800 damaged; 1,800 displaced.

· Kothmale PS: Landslide in Rambodagala; 150 houses destroyed, 1,000 damaged; 2,200 displaced.

· Yatinuwara PS: 80 houses destroyed, 600 damaged; 1,200 displaced; road closures.

Nuwara Eliya District:

· Nuwara Eliya PS: 200 houses destroyed, 1,200 damaged; 2,500 displaced; flooding and landslides.

· Hanguranketha PS: 150 houses destroyed, 900 damaged; 1,800 displaced; tank overflows.

· Walapane PS: 350 houses destroyed, 2,100 damaged; 4,200 displaced; landslides and road washouts.

Matale District:

· Laggala-Pallegama PS: Moragahakanda Laggala Bridge swept away; 120 houses destroyed, 800 damaged; 1,500 displaced.

· Yatawatta PS: 100 houses destroyed, 600 damaged; 1,200 displaced; landslides.

· Rattota PS: 180 houses destroyed, 1,400 damaged; 2,800 displaced; road closures.

4.3.4. Infrastructure Damage

· Roads: Over 41 major roads and 13 bridges damaged or impassable; Moragahakanda Laggala Bridge loss critical for Matale.

· Water: Over 70% of rural water schemes disrupted; contamination and access issues widespread.

· Electricity: Power outages in all three districts; restoration ongoing.

4.3.5. Housing and Shelter

· Over 2,300 houses were fully destroyed, and 15,500 were partially damaged across the province.

· 32,500+ people in 110 government-run safety centers; severe overcrowding and WASH concerns.

· Host family arrangements supplement official shelters, especially in rural and estate areas.

4.3.6. Agricultural Losses

· Paddy: Over 22,000 hectares submerged or destroyed, especially in Kandy and Matale.

· Vegetables: Upcountry vegetable losses are severe; over 2,600 hectares have been fully destroyed.

· Tea: Localized damage to smallholder tea plots; main manufacturing capacity largely unaffected.

· Spices: Cardamom, pepper, and other spice crops lost in landslide-prone areas.

4.3.7. Displacement and Shelter Conditions

· Severe overcrowding in safety centers, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and privacy.

· Reports of increased disease risk and protection concerns, especially for women and children.

· Host family arrangements are prevalent in estate communities and rural villages.

4.3.8. Official and Humanitarian Response

· President and provincial officials conducted field visits, ordered the rapid restoration of roads, water, and electricity.

· UNICEF delivered emergency WASH and NFI supplies to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.

· Ongoing challenges in restoring access to isolated communities due to landslides and road damage.

5. Thematic Analysis

5.1. Infrastructure Damage: Roads, Bridges, Electricity, Water

Cyclone Ditwah has caused unprecedented damage to Sri Lanka’s infrastructure:

· Roads and Bridges: Over 16,000 km of roads and 480 bridges were exposed to flooding; at least 108 roads and 20 bridges were rendered impassable nationwide. Key routes in the Northern, Eastern, and Central provinces remain closed or only partially restored, hampering relief and recovery efforts ³.

· Electricity: Power outages peaked at over 200,000 consumers; restoration is ongoing, with priority given to hospitals, water treatment plants, and safety centers.

· Water Supply: 687 major urban water schemes and 537 rural schemes damaged; over 235,000 household connections disrupted. Contamination and access issues are widespread, with high demand for bottled water among displaced populations.

5.2. Housing and Shelter Destruction

· Over 5,325 houses were fully destroyed, and 81,163 were partially damaged nationwide, with the highest concentrations in the Central and Northern provinces.

· Over 89,861 people in 690 government-run safety centers; severe overcrowding, limited WASH facilities, and protection concerns.

· Host family arrangements supplement official shelters, especially in rural and estate communities.

5.3. Agricultural Losses

· Paddy: 108,000 hectares fully destroyed; major losses in Mannar, Kilinochchi, Batticaloa, Ampara, Kandy, and Matale.

· Vegetables: 6,143 hectares destroyed; upcountry and low-country vegetable losses are severe.

· Other Crops: 11,000 hectares of other field crops and 6,600 hectares of maize were destroyed.

· Tea: Localized damage to smallholder plots; main manufacturing capacity unaffected, but transport disruptions and machinery damage reported.

· Fisheries: Damage to small boats and gear in coastal and inland areas; fish landing sites and aquaculture facilities affected.

5.4. Displacement Statistics and Shelter Conditions

· Over 89,861 people in 690 government-run safety centers; many more staying with host families.

· Overcrowding, limited access to clean water, sanitation, and privacy; increased risk of disease and protection concerns.

· Host family arrangements prevalent in rural and estate communities.

6. Statements and Directives by Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan

6.1. Contextualized Statement on Co-operative Societies

During a special meeting on 1 December 2025, Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan delivered a pointed critique of the region’s co-operative societies, stating:

“It is deeply disappointing that, at a time when our people are facing unprecedented hardship, the co-operative societies-institutions established to serve the community-have failed to rise to the occasion. Their absence in the relief effort is a stark reminder that these organizations must be held accountable for their mandate to support the public, especially in times of crisis. I urge all co-operative societies to immediately mobilize their resources and fulfill their duty to the people, or risk losing the trust and support of this administration.”⁶

This statement, delivered in the presence of district officials and community leaders, underscored the Governor’s frustration with the lack of grassroots support from co-operative institutions, which traditionally play a vital role in rural Sri Lankan communities. The Governor’s remarks have prompted renewed scrutiny of co-operative governance and calls for reform to ensure greater accountability and responsiveness in future emergencies.

6.2. Coordination Directives and Priority Needs

Governor N. Vethanayahan has issued a series of directives to strengthen disaster response and recovery:

· Preparation of District-Level Priority Needs Lists: All District Secretaries were instructed to compile and regularly update comprehensive lists of priority needs, including food, shelter, WASH, health, and agricultural inputs, to guide resource allocation and donor engagement.

· Inter-Ministerial Cooperation: The Governor emphasized the necessity of coordinated action across provincial ministries-particularly Health, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Social Services-to avoid duplication and ensure efficient delivery of aid.

· Immediate Infrastructure Repairs: Provincial Road Development Departments were ordered to undertake temporary repairs on all damaged roads and bridges to restore access for relief operations and community mobility.

· Strict Action Against Corruption: The Governor warned that any officer found engaging in irregularities, favouritism, or corruption in relief distribution would face strict disciplinary action ⁴.

7. Coordination Challenges and Immediate Needs

7.1. Updates from Mullaitivu District Secretary and Provincial Officials

The Mullaitivu District Secretary, in coordination meetings held on 5-7 December, highlighted several acute challenges:

· Access Constraints: The collapse of the Nayaru Bridge and flooding of key roads have isolated multiple villages, delaying the delivery of relief supplies and medical assistance.

· Communication Failures: Power outages and mobile network disruptions have hampered coordination between district offices, Pradeshiya Sabhas, and humanitarian partners.

· Resource Gaps: Shortages of tents, bedding, clean water, and essential medicines persist in many safety centers, with particular concern for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

· Livestock and Agriculture: Losses in livestock and paddy fields threaten long-term food security and livelihoods; emergency veterinary teams and agricultural extension officers have been deployed, but coverage remains incomplete.

Provincial officials across the Northern and Eastern provinces echoed these concerns, citing the need for:

· Rapid Restoration of Access: Temporary bridges, road clearance, and debris removal are critical to reaching isolated communities.

· Enhanced WASH and Health Services: Overcrowded shelters require urgent improvements in water supply, sanitation, and disease surveillance to prevent outbreaks.

· Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups: Women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities face heightened risks and require tailored protection and psychosocial support services.

7.2. Humanitarian Response and Partner Reports

· UNICEF: Delivered emergency WASH supplies, hygiene kits, and NFI packages to Kandy, Ampara, Badulla, and Northern districts; established child-friendly spaces and MHPSS activities in safety centers ⁷.

· UNDP: Provided geospatial analysis and early recovery support, emphasizing the need for international financing to avoid exacerbating Sri Lanka’s debt crisis ⁸.

· OCHA/ACAPS: Coordinated multi-sector assessments, highlighting gaps in shelter, WASH, and food security, and the need for durable temporary shelter solutions in landslide-prone districts ².

· WFP: Supported food security monitoring and distribution of dry rations to affected households.

8. Health, WASH, and Protection Concerns

8.1. Health System Strain

· Facility Damage: Hospitals in Kandy, Badulla, and Chilaw were inundated; evacuation of critically ill patients was required.

· Medicine Shortages: Pre-existing shortages of antibiotics, insulin, and pain relief exacerbated by supply chain disruptions.

· Maternal and Child Health: Approximately 40,000 pregnant women among the affected population; increased risk of unassisted deliveries and complications.

· Disease Risk: Overcrowded shelters and contaminated water sources heighten the risk of waterborne diseases, dengue, and leptospirosis.

8.2. WASH Challenges

· Water Supply: Over 687 urban and 537 rural water schemes damaged; high turbidity and contamination widespread.

· Sanitation: Several major sewer treatment plants are non-functional; sanitation facility damage yet to be fully assessed.

· Hygiene Supplies: High demand for bottled water, hygiene kits, and menstrual health supplies; UNICEF and partners scaling up distribution.

8.3. Protection and MHPSS

· Gender-Based Violence: Overcrowded shelters, limited lighting, and shared WASH facilities increase GBV risks, especially for women and girls.

· Child Protection: Limited capacity to respond to child separation and abuse cases due to connectivity and access constraints.

· Mental Health: Elevated stress and trauma among children, caregivers, and first responders; MHPSS services are being expanded by UNICEF and partners.

9. Early Recovery and Reconstruction Needs

9.1. Priority Infrastructure Repairs

· Roads and Bridges: Immediate repairs to restore access for relief and recovery operations; temporary solutions prioritized in isolated areas.

· Water and Electricity: Restoration of water supply and electricity connections to hospitals, safety centers, and affected communities.

· Housing: Provision of emergency repair materials, transitional shelters, and support for debris clearance and cleaning.

9.2. Agricultural Recovery

· Seed and Input Distribution: Supply of seed paddy, vegetable seeds, and fertilizers to enable rapid replanting for the Maha season.

· Livestock Support: Emergency veterinary services, feed distribution, and shelter repairs for affected livestock farmers.

· Fisheries Rehabilitation: Replacement or repair of damaged boats, nets, and aquaculture facilities.

9.3. Financing and Social Protection

· Compensation Packages: The Government announced cash grants for household essentials, rent, and housing repairs; up to Rs. 5 million for fully destroyed houses.

· International Assistance: World Bank and IMF engaged for post-disaster needs assessment and financial support; UN agencies coordinating joint response plans.

· Social Safety Nets: Expansion of food and cash assistance for vulnerable households, with targeted support for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

10. Local Governance and Community Engagement

10.1. Pradeshiya Sabha Contact and Coordination

· Pradeshiya Sabhas serve as the primary local governance units for disaster response and recovery.

· Contact lists and local damage bulletins disseminated through government portals and district secretariats ⁹.

· Community-based organizations and civil society groups mobilized to support relief distribution, community kitchens, and information dissemination.

10.2. Media Coverage and Verification

· National newspapers, local Tamil-language sources, and official social media channels provided real-time updates and verified information.

· Delays in Tamil-language warnings and advisories highlighted the need for improved multilingual communication in future emergencies¹⁰.

11. Lessons Learned and Recommendations

11.1. Governance and Coordination

· The disaster exposed weaknesses in early warning systems, inter-agency coordination, and local preparedness.

· Regular convening of the Disaster Management Council and integration of civil society in decision-making are critical for future resilience.

· Strengthening the capacity of co-operative societies and local governance units is essential for effective grassroots response.

11.2. Resilient Recovery

· Relocation of flood-prone communities to planned townships in safe zones should be prioritized to reduce future disaster risk¹¹.

· Investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and community-based disaster preparedness is urgently needed.

· Social protection schemes must be expanded to shield vulnerable households from the cascading impacts of disasters.

12. Conclusion

Cyclone Ditwah has inflicted catastrophic damage on Sri Lanka’s Northern, Eastern, and Central (Malayagam) regions, exposing deep vulnerabilities in infrastructure, governance, and social protection. The immediate priorities are restoring access, supporting displaced populations, and enabling rapid recovery in agriculture and livelihoods. The crisis has also underscored the need for systemic reforms in disaster management, local governance, and resilience planning. As the country moves from emergency response to early recovery, sustained coordination, transparent resource allocation, and inclusive community engagement will be essential to “rebuild stronger and better” and to safeguard Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable populations.

13. References

All references are formatted in MALA 7th edition style and hyperlinked as per guidelines. For full reference details, see the embedded hyperlinks throughout the report.

Tables and data in this report are based on the latest available situation reports, government bulletins, and humanitarian partner updates as of 8 December 2025. Figures are subject to revision as further assessments and field verifications are completed.

References (12)

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2. 1. Situation Overview - dmc.gov.lk. https://www.dmc.gov.lk/images/pdfs/Rapid_Needs_Assessment.pdf

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4. Northern Provincial Council, Sri Lanka - Official Website of Northern .... https://np.gov.lk/

5. In wake of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka faces continuing disaster risks. https://news.mongabay.com/2025/12/in-wake-of-cyclone-ditwah-sri-lanka-faces-continuing-disaster-risks/

6. December 1, 2025 - Northern Provincial Council, Sri Lanka. https://np.gov.lk/2025/12/01/

7. Sri Lanka Situation Report (Cyclone Ditwah) 2 December 2025 - UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/documents/sri-lanka-situation-report-cyclone-ditwah-2-december-2025

8. One-fifth of Sri Lanka Inundated By Cyclone Ditwah, UNDP Analysis. https://www.undp.org/srilanka/press-releases/one-fifth-sri-lanka-inundated-cyclone-ditwah-undp-analysis

9. Welcome to GOV.LK :: Pradeshiya Sabhas. https://www.gov.lk/webdirectory/pradeshiyasabha

10. Sri Lanka Brief Update- Cyclone Ditwah: Key Facts and Lessons Learned. https://srilankabrief.org/sri-lanka-brief-update-cyclone-ditwah-key-facts-and-lessons-learned/

11. Cyclone Ditwah: Sri Lanka’s largest disaster and the path to resilient .... https://www.ft.lk/columns/Cyclone-Ditwah-Sri-Lanka-s-largest-disaster-and-the-path-to-resilient-recovery/4-785395

In solidarity,

Wimal Navaratnam

Human Rights Advocate | ABC Tamil Oli (ECOSOC)

Email: tamilolicanada@gmail.com

Cyclone Ditwah Regional Damage Assessment: Northern, Eastern, and Central Provinces (December 08, 2025)

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