An elite 47-member Search and Rescue team from the Pakistan Army today commenced on-the-ground relief operations in Sri Lanka, which is reeling from the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwa. This deployment is part of a broader, multi-faceted humanitarian assistance effort from Pakistan in response to Colombo’s international appeal for help.

In its latest move, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) dispatched an additional 20-ton consignment of relief items from Lahore to Colombo aboard a Sri Lankan Airlines commercial flight. The shipment contains essential supplies, including tarpaulin sheets and dry milk, required for the affected communities.

The NDMA is actively coordinating with commercial airlines to utilize available belly space on outbound flights, a strategy aimed at ensuring a rapid and continuous flow of aid to the island nation over the coming days.

The specialized search and rescue unit was airlifted yesterday from Nur Khan Base on a C-130 aircraft, arriving with 6.5 tons of equipment. The team is now fully operational and coordinating its rescue missions with local Sri Lankan authorities.

Furthermore, under instructions from the Prime Minister, a major shipment of 200 tons of humanitarian relief is being sent via sea to support the medium-term needs of the impacted population.

The relief efforts also involve assets from the Pakistan Navy, with its ships and aircraft actively participating in rescue, transport, and emergency support activities in the disaster-stricken areas.

The NDMA reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to extending all possible assistance to Sri Lanka as it faces severe challenges. The authority stated that the nation will continue to stand with friendly countries during times of crisis and maintain its efforts to reduce the suffering and humanitarian impact of disasters.