Sun Dec 07 06:01:19 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Sri Lanka is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread devastation in the past week. Over 600 people have died, and hundreds remain missing. More than two million have been affected by floods and landslides, with extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The government is providing aid and has announced a major compensation package to help people rebuild their lives, and international aid is arriving to support relief efforts. Sri Lanka is also seeking additional financial assistance from the IMF to assist in the rebuild.
News Article:
Sri Lanka Reels from Cyclone Ditwah: Death Toll Climbs as Recovery Begins
Colombo, Sri Lanka – December 7, 2025 – Sri Lankan authorities are continuing to respond to the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island nation last week. The official death toll has risen to 618, with 209 people still unaccounted for. Over two million Sri Lankans have been affected by the cyclone, which triggered widespread flooding and landslides.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) issued fresh landslip warnings on Sunday as persistent monsoon rains continue to destabilize hillsides in already-affected areas, including the central mountainous region and the north-western midlands. Helicopters and planes are delivering aid to communities cut off by landslides.
The Sri Lanka Air Force confirmed receiving a planeload of relief supplies from Myanmar on Sunday, adding to a growing influx of international assistance.
More than 75,000 homes have been damaged, with approximately 5,000 completely destroyed. The number of people in state-run refugee camps has fallen to 100,000 as floodwaters recede.
On Friday, the Sri Lankan government unveiled a comprehensive compensation package to help rebuild homes and revive businesses. Survivors will be offered up to 10 million rupees ($33,000) to purchase land in safer locations and construct new homes. Compensation of one million rupees will be provided for each death or permanent disability. The government has not yet specified the total cost of the package.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed parliament, acknowledging the significant recovery the Sri Lankan economy has made since the 2022 economic crisis, but stating that it is not strong enough to withstand this disaster alone.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is considering Sri Lanka’s request for an additional $200 million to support reconstruction efforts. This would be in addition to the $347 million tranche due later this month, part of a four-year, $2.9 billion bailout loan agreed to in 2023.
The central bank has directed commercial lenders to reschedule loans to assist those affected by the cyclone.
The recovery and reconstruction is estimated to cost up to $7 billion. Concerns remain about the financial implications of the compensation package in light of Sri Lanka’s recent economic struggles.
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