Life After the Storm: Sri Lanka's Struggle to Rebuild
In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, the picturesque village of Kithulbadde in central Sri Lanka is grappling with a harsh reality. The cyclone, which claimed 479 lives and affected 1.2 million people, has left deep scars on the landscape and the hearts of its residents. The government reports that 350 people are still missing, adding to the community's distress.
Extensive Damage
The damage is extensive:
- Over 1,200 homes have been completely destroyed.
- Nearly 45,000 homes have been partially damaged.
- Infrastructure is in shambles, with deep fissures in the earth and cracked walls in homes.
Many residents are reluctant to return to their homes, fearing for their safety.
Fear and Uncertainty
Madullegedera Chandralatha, a 57-year-old resident, expresses the common sentiment:
"People are scared to go home, they don’t feel safe."
This fear is not unfounded. The government has warned that fresh rains could trigger landslides, making the situation even more precarious.
A Farmer's Struggle
Prasanna Shantha Kumara, a 48-year-old farmer, is among those affected. His home is severely damaged, and his capsicum crop, which was flattened by floods, is slowly dying. He now splits his time between the relief centre, where he stays with his family, and his home, trying to salvage what he can. Many others are in a similar situation, tending to their tea plots and vegetable patches during the day and returning to the relief centres at night.
The Daunting Prospect of Relocation
The prospect of relocation is daunting. Vasanthi Kumari, a 54-year-old resident, points out the practical difficulties:
"Where are we going to go? We are surrounded by hills. . . We don’t have the financial capacity to leave everything and restart life elsewhere by ourselves."
Government Response and Immediate Needs
The government is collecting data to provide long-term solutions for those living in high-risk areas. However, the immediate need for aid is critical. As Kumara puts it:
"I have lost my house, and my crop. . . What are we going to do? How can we live like this? We need help."
