Govt tallies up storm losses

Sri Lankan authorities said yesterday they would need some $7 billion (224 billion baht) to rebuild homes, industries and roads destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah, which has left at least 465 people dead so far.

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Hopes have faded for the 366 other people unaccounted for after mudslides and floods triggered by the cyclone, which brought record rains across the island last week.

“Our initial estimate is that we will need about 6 to 7 billion dollars for the reconstruction,” said Prabath Chandrakeerthi, the Commissioner-General of Essential Services, who is leading the massive recovery effort.

Mr Chandrakeerthi added that the government was providing 25,000 rupees (2,590 baht) to each family to help clean their homes, while those who lost their homes would receive up to 2.5 million rupees (259,223 baht).