UN seeks emergency funding to support cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

Colombo: The United Nations called on international donors on Thursday to help provide crucial assistance to Sri Lanka, grappling with the aftermath o...

Colombo: The United Nations called on international donors on Thursday to help provide crucial assistance to Sri Lanka, grappling with the aftermath of deadly Cyclone Ditwah.

The devastating storm, which hit the island nation late last month, killed at least 639 people and affected more than 2 million others -- about 10 percent of the population -- causing extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, industries and agriculture.

Some 200 people are still missing.

The UN's top envoy to the country, Marc-Andre Franche, announced plans for a $35.3-million emergency fund which he said was needed to feed and cater to the basic needs of 658,000 people who have been worst affected.

The fund excludes reconstruction of damaged infrastructure or personal property and focuses solely on immediate basic needs.