Sri Lanka cyclone relief efforts received a major boost as the United Nations launched a $35 million appeal to support victims of Cyclone Ditwah. The funds will provide immediate humanitarian aid to those affected by floods and landslides.
Sri Lanka cyclone relief appeal aims to raise funds for urgent disaster response
The United Nations has initiated a $35 million appeal to support Sri Lanka cyclone relief following the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche emphasized the urgent need to mobilize resources to assist victims who have endured widespread destruction across the island.
Initial contributions from bilateral partners and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) have already totaled $9.5 million, including $4.5 million from CERF and additional support from Australia, Canada, the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The UN is now seeking the remaining $26 million to fully fund the relief program.
Franche called on the international community and UN member states to step forward in support of humanitarian aid for Sri Lanka. “We are appealing to each of our member states to support Sri Lanka in this time of need and to support humanitarian aid in response to this disaster,” he stated.
The appeal will fund the Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP), which targets immediate relief efforts over the next four months. Key areas of intervention include food security, agriculture and nutrition, health, education, protection, shelter, non-food items, water, sanitation, hygiene, and early recovery. These efforts aim to address the critical needs of nearly two million people affected by the cyclone.
Cyclone Ditwah, a slow-moving weather system that lingered over the island for more than two days, caused catastrophic floods and landslides. Approximately 800 people were reported killed or missing, with extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. The disaster has disrupted livelihoods and threatened food security across multiple regions.
The Humanitarian Priorities Plan is designed to deliver rapid assistance to those most vulnerable, including displaced families and communities facing critical shortages of essential supplies. Emergency shelter, clean water, and medical services are among the top priorities to prevent further loss of life and to support early recovery.
The international community’s timely response is vital to mitigating the long-term impact of the disaster. Swift funding and coordinated humanitarian action will enable relief agencies to restore essential services, rebuild communities, and provide the necessary support to help affected populations recover.
As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, the UN’s $35 million appeal represents a crucial lifeline. The success of this initiative depends on continued international cooperation and contributions from governments, organizations, and private donors committed to alleviating the suffering caused by this unprecedented disaster.