Ruined Rice Fields and Broken Rail Lines: Sri Lanka Counts Cost of Cyclone

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Mujib Mashal, Pamodi Waravita and Atul LokeDecember 4, 2025 at 11:51 AM

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Cyclone Ditwah has caused billions of dollars in damage to Sri Lanka, including ruined rice fields, broken rail lines, and destroyed infrastructure. As of December 4, 2025, over 400 people have died. The extensive damage, including roads, bridges, and dams, is a major setback for the country, which is still recovering from a recent economic collapse and a decades-long civil war. Government officials are seeking international aid for reconstruction, but face challenges due to declining global humanitarian funding. The World Bank has begun an official assessment of the damage. A senior official described the devastation as extensive, requiring significant resources for recovery.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

UN 50% Cyclone Ditwah ×360% Sri Lanka ×780%

Keywords

sri lanka 100% cyclone ditwah 90% economic crash 80% damage assessment 70% international aid 70% floodwater 60% reconstruction 60% rice fields 50% disaster response 50% rail lines 40%