UNICEF says 275,000 children among 1.4 mln affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka

At least 275,000 children are among the 1.4 million people affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, UNICEF said in a statement on Tuesday.

UNICEF said it is deeply concerned about the destruction the cyclone has caused to children and the vital services they depend on.

Emma Brigham, UNICEF representative in Sri Lanka, said children urgently need help and that it is a race against time to reach the most vulnerable families.

Widespread damage to infrastructure and essential services has displaced thousands into temporary shelters, raising the risks of disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and severe emotional distress among children, UNICEF said.

According to a 2025 World Bank report, poverty in Sri Lanka has more than doubled since 2019, increasing from 11.3 percent to 24.5 percent.

UNICEF stated it is collaborating with the government and partners to evaluate needs and deliver urgent aid. The organization is increasing support and requesting additional funding to provide clean water, nutrition supplies, psychosocial support, and emergency education kits for displaced children and mothers.

Over 400 Sri Lankans have died due to landslides and floods caused by the cyclone.