ISLAMABAD: Pakistan sent an additional 20 tons of relief items from Lahore to Colombo on Thursday to support the South Asian island following the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwa.
The powerful storm brought record rains that triggered landslides and floods across the island country, killing at least 479 people, according to disaster officials, with another 350 still unaccounted for.
According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Press Information Department, the government, in response to the Sri Lankan government’s appeal for international assistance, dispatched a consignment including “tarpaulin sheets and dry milk required for the affected communities.”
Under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is coordinating with “commercial airlines to utilize available belly space on outbound flights, enabling the rapid continuation of relief dispatches to Sri Lanka over the coming days.”
The latest consignment comes after Pakistan deployed a 47-member elite search-and-rescue team from the Pakistan Army, along with 6.5 tons of equipment, which was airlifted yesterday from Nur Khan Base, Rawalpindi, to Colombo via a C-130.
“The specialized team is already on ground in Sri Lanka and has commenced rescue operations in coordination with local authorities,” the press release said.
It added that NDMA also sent a major shipment of 200 tons of humanitarian relief items via sea to support the medium-term needs of the affected population.
Additionally, Pakistan Navy ships and aviation assets were actively participating in relief operations in Sri Lanka, providing rescue, transport, and emergency support.
“NDMA reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to extending all possible assistance to Sri Lanka as it faces severe challenges in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa,” the press release said, adding that Pakistan would “continue to stand with friendly nations during times of crisis and will maintain its efforts to help reduce the suffering and humanitarian impact of disasters both at home and abroad.”
