The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has requested USD 7.3 million to help over 100,000 individuals affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. The cyclone has displaced more than 280,000 people and has either damaged or destroyed over 81,000 homes, leaving many families in desperate need of shelter, protection, and essential services. Kristin Parco, IOM Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka, stated, “Behind every number is a person whose safety, dignity, and rights must guide the response. At moments like this, people need to feel protected, supported, and able to regain a sense of stability.” She emphasized that the appeal aims to meet immediate needs while collaborating with government-led efforts to help communities recover and rebuild in inclusive and sustainable ways. As co-leader of the Shelter and Non-Food Item (NFI) cluster, IOM's appeal focuses on critical humanitarian needs like shelter, protection, health, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The organization will also use its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to ensure help reaches those who need it most. Cyclone Ditwah struck on November 28, causing strong winds, heavy rains, flooding, and landslides that impacted all 25 districts in the country. These events have worsened existing vulnerabilities, as ongoing climate-related shocks continue to damage livelihoods, stress household resources, and weaken community infrastructure. IOM plans to provide a coordinated, multi-sector response that addresses urgent humanitarian needs while setting the stage for early recovery. This response will utilize the DTM to give timely updates on population movements and priority needs, assisting in national coordination and humanitarian planning. Key components of the appeal include emergency shelter help for over 78,000 people, essential household items, improved conditions in government-run safety centers, and support for families whose homes were damaged through a mix of in-kind aid and targeted cash assistance.
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