More than 275,000 children have been affected by the severe floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The cyclone, which struck Sri Lanka on November 28, has created a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis for children and families nationwide.
UNICEF reports that early estimates indicate over 1.4 million people have been impacted, though the true number is likely higher due to damaged communication lines and inaccessible areas.
“UNICEF is deeply concerned about the destruction caused by the cyclone and the impact on children and the essential services they rely on,” said Emma Brigham, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka. “It is a race against time to reach vulnerable families who urgently need lifesaving support. While the cyclone has passed, the consequences have not.”
Extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services has displaced thousands, heightening risks of disease outbreaks, malnutrition, unsafe living conditions, and severe emotional distress among children.
UNICEF Sri Lanka is coordinating closely with the government and partner organizations to assess needs and deliver emergency assistance. The agency is scaling up its response and appealing for additional funding to provide clean water, nutrition supplies, psychosocial support, and emergency education kits for displaced children and mothers in the worst-affected districts.
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