At least 275,000 children face dire conditions after Cyclone Ditwah ravaged Sri Lanka this week, with UNICEF warning of "a race against time" to prevent disease outbreaks and malnutrition. Over 1.4 million people total have been affected by the storm’s catastrophic floods and landslides.
💔 "Children are sleeping in temporary shelters without clean water or medical care," said UNICEF Sri Lanka representative Emma Brigham. "Every hour counts."
The cyclone destroyed hospitals, schools, and water systems – crippling infrastructure already strained by Sri Lanka’s poverty rate doubling since 2019 (World Bank, 2025). Displaced families now risk cholera outbreaks and severe emotional trauma, particularly among kids separated from caregivers.
UNICEF is deploying emergency kits with water purification tablets, nutritional supplements, and learning materials while coordinating with local partners. 🚑 Priority needs: psychosocial support for children, maternal health services, and restoring electricity to evacuation centers.
⚠️ Death toll: 400+ | 🌧️ Worst-hit areas: Coastal districts | 🔄 Next steps: International funding appeals expected this week.
