Sri Lanka: Cyclone Ditwah – Urgent call for assistance

FAO

Sri Lanka: Cyclone Ditwah – Urgent call for assistance

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Year of publication 2026

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 3 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Booklet

Category Emergency response

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Synopsis (short abstract) Cyclone Ditwah has triggered one of the most severe climate shocks Sri Lanka has faced in decades, compounding vulnerabilities already heightened by prolonged economic crisis and instability. Affecting all 25 districts, the cyclone has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of more than 2.2 million people, with over 1.1 million now in urgent need of food security, agricultural and nutrition assistance. Widespread flooding during the Maha 2025/26 season has damaged more than 129 000 hectares of agricultural land, devastated crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, and constrained timely replanting amid a narrow seasonal window. In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) seeks USD 16.5 million to support 256 012 households (1 028 000 people) with time-critical agricultural, livestock, fisheries and cash-based assistance to protect livelihoods, restore food production and prevent reliance on negative coping strategies. This document outlines the impact of Cyclone Ditwah on agricultural livelihoods and food security in Sri Lanka, as well as FAO’s planned response and funding requirements.

Language English

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