Pakistan to send 100-ton aid shipment to flood-hit Sri Lanka

Pakistan has initiated a humanitarian relief mission for Sri Lanka following severe floods that caused large-scale damage across the island nation, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Saturday.

The operation has been launched on the directives of the prime minister, with NDMA coordinating closely with the Pakistan Armed Forces.

According to the authority, the first consignment of aid will depart for Colombo on November 30 aboard a Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft.

The shipment includes 100 tons of relief goods and will be supported by a 45-member Urban Search and Rescue team from the Pakistan Army.

NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik will oversee the mission’s dispatch. A departure ceremony will take place at Nur Khan Airbase, attended by officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NDMA and members of the diplomatic corps.

Sri Lanka declares emergency as cyclone toll hits 132

The relief package consists of rescue boats, dewatering pumps, life jackets, tents, blankets, quilts, bubble mats, mosquito nets, infant formula, dry food rations and essential medicines. A mobile field hospital is also being deployed to provide medical care in the affected areas.

Pakistan said it remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka during the crisis and will continue to extend humanitarian assistance as needed.

Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance as the death toll from floods and mudslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah rose to 153, with another 191 people missing.

The extreme weather system has destroyed more than 20,000 homes, sending 108,000 people to state-run temporary shelters, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported.

A further 798,000 people required assistance after being temporarily displaced by the floods, DMC spokesman Pradeep Kodippili said.