The United Nations Children's Fund ( UNICEF) Sri Lanka reports that over 275,000 children have been impacted by Cyclone Ditwah, which caused severe flooding and landslides after striking the East Coast on 28 November.

With many areas still unreachable, the true number may be even higher.

UNICEF Representative Emma Brigham expressed deep concern over the destruction of homes, vital services, and the rising risks of disease, malnutrition, and emotional trauma. 

She stressed that children urgently need lifesaving support and called the situation “a race against time.”

The devastation compounds ongoing hardships, as poverty in Sri Lanka has doubled since 2019, leaving millions unable to meet basic needs.

UNICEF is working with the Government and partners to provide clean water, nutrition supplies, psychosocial support, and emergency education kits, while urging additional funding to reach the most vulnerable families in hardest-hit areas.