Cyclone Ditwah: 646 dead, 173 still missing, 525 death certificates issued – Minister

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardane

Death certificates have been issued for 525 people who lost their lives in landslides and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Chandana Abeyratne told Parliament yesterday (21).

The Minister said that several bodies recovered following the disaster are yet to be formally identified, delaying the issuance of death certificates in those cases.

Providing an update on the aftermath of the cyclone, Minister Abeyratne revealed that a total of 646 people were confirmed dead, while 173 others are still reported missing due to the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

He added that relevant authorities are continuing identification processes and relief measures in affected areas.