ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has intensified its humanitarian support to the affected communities in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka following the formal appeal for international assistance by the Island nation.
More than two million people—nearly 10 percent of Sri Lanka’s population—have been affected by last week’s devastating floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the island’s most severe storm this century.
The death toll has climbed to 618, while several other Asian countries are still struggling with widespread destruction and casualties that have surpassed 1,800.
On the special instructions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) dispatched an additional 7.5 tons of humanitarian relief goods to Colombo on Monday aboard a Sri Lanka–bound commercial flight from Lahore, according to a press release issued by the NDMA.
The consignment includes tents, tarpaulins, and powdered milk to support families displaced by the cyclone.
The NDMA has coordinated with airlines to ensure maximum use of available cargo space on commercial flights for the swift delivery of relief supplies. This arrangement will continue in the coming days to facilitate further assistance as needed.
Since the onset of the cyclone emergency, Pakistan has remained actively involved in providing essential relief items and technical support to Sri Lanka.
A dedicated Pakistan Army search-and-rescue team is already on the ground, carrying out life-saving operations and assisting local authorities.
Additionally, Pakistan Navy ships and helicopters are supporting relief and evacuation efforts in close coordination with their Sri Lankan counterparts.
NDMA reaffirmed that Pakistan stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka in this difficult hour and will continue to extend all possible assistance to support ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
