• Over 600 deaths confirmed from a recent cyclone in Sri Lanka.
• The government offers home reconstruction aid and financial support for victims.
• Continued rains threaten further flooding and landslides, complicating recovery efforts.

In response to the devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed at least 607 lives and left another 214 missing, Sri Lanka's government unveiled a comprehensive compensation plan aimed at rebuilding homes and aiding disaster recovery. This cyclone has been labeled as the most challenging natural disaster in the nation's history by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, impacting over 2 million people, nearly 10% of the population, according to Channel News Asia and Dawn.

Survivors of the cyclone will be eligible for up to 10 million rupees (approximately US$33,000) to purchase land in safer areas and construct new homes. Additionally, the government has announced a compensation of 1 million rupees for each victim killed or permanently disabled, according to The Jakarta Post.

Despite these efforts, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that more than 71,000 homes have been damaged, with nearly 5,000 completely destroyed due to recent floods and landslides. Approximately 150,000 people are currently housed in state-run shelters, although this number has declined from a peak of 225,000, as indicated by Dawn and Channel News Asia.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated it is considering Sri Lanka's request for an additional US$200 million in aid, supplementing the US$347 million already scheduled for disbursement this month. The IMF affirmed its commitment to assisting Sri Lanka as it works towards recovery and resilience building, as reported by The Jakarta Post and Channel News Asia.

Amid ongoing recovery efforts, further rainfall is anticipated in many regions, particularly in the central areas that were hardest hit, raising concerns about additional flooding and landslides. The DMC has warned that such weather conditions are hampering cleanup operations and recovery efforts as residents in risky areas are advised not to return to their homes immediately, as highlighted by Dawn and The Jakarta Post.