Cyclone Death Toll Climbs to 607; Millions Displaced

06-Dec-2025

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A week after Cyclone caused widespread havoc, the death toll has sharply increased to 607. 

Meanwhile, 214 people remain missing and more than 2 million people have been displaced, the Disaster Management Central Centre reported.

Up to Dec 12, 607 deaths have been recorded across 20 districts. The largest number of fatalities occurred in the Kandy district (232 deaths), followed by 89 in Nuwara Eliya and 83 in Badulla. 

Additionally, in Kandy 81 persons are missing; in Nuwara Eliya 35; and in Badulla 28.

Besides, 4,164 houses have been completely destroyed across all districts except Kalutara and Trincomalee. Another 67,505 houses have been partially damaged. 43,715 families — totaling 152,537 people — are housed in 1,211 temporary shelters, the centre stated.

In Kandy district — particularly in the villages of Buppuressa, Rajathalawa, locals say about 20 houses were reduced to rubble by landslides. Yet, as of last evening, only three bodies had been recovered. Although two youths tried to evacuate people when the landslide hit, they managed to save just 10 persons before the landslide engulfed the rest.

Rescue efforts to find those trapped under landslide debris have been extremely difficult. Locals also report inadequate support from government side.

In Kuruwella–Kurusahanthe area, 11 persons were reported missing after a landslide. Yesterday, with joint rescue efforts by the army and locals, three bodies were recovered. In the Velimada–Rendapola area, among those missing, only two bodies were retrieved.

Meanwhile, the water level at the Moragahatenna reservoir might rise again due to the incoming northeast monsoon, warned the national water-development authority. If the water level exceeds safe limits, floodgates will be opened; this might lead to rising water levels in the Amban Ganga and Mahaweli rivers. People living nearby are being urged to remain alert.