Sri Lanka, Dec. 27 -- The disaster caused by Cyclone Ditva has claimed 639 lives, while 180 people are still reported missing, according to Additional Secretary of the Disaster Management Division at the Ministry of Defence, K.G. Dharmathilaka.

He said that 38,432 displaced persons are currently staying in 424 relief shelters across affected areas. Authorities have ensured that all necessary facilities are provided and that displaced families will continue to receive care until they are relocated to permanent housing.

Dharmathilaka further stated that a Rs. 25,000 allowance for house-cleaning has so far been paid to 372,447 affected individuals, covering approximately 82.8% of total disaster victims.

In addition, 147,628 families have ...