Pakistan is continuing its relief efforts for the people affected by cyclone in Sri Lanka.
On the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, a dedicated search and rescue team was dispatched early this morning to support operations in the affected areas of Sri Lanka.
A Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying a 47-member team along with 6.5 tons of essential equipment has departed to participate in the humanitarian and rescue efforts.
The departure ceremony for the relief consignment was attended by Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Fred Senevirathne.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that NDMA remains fully committed to responding to disasters and mitigating their adverse impacts both within Pakistan and in affected countries abroad.
Fred Senevirathne expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Pakistan for the timely provision of emergency assistance.
NDMA has additionally arranged for dispatch of relief goods through Sri Lankan Airlines operating between Colombo and Lahore. Yesterday, under the special directive of the Prime Minister, NDMA sent 200 tons of relief supplies to Sri Lanka via sea shipment.
The relief items dispatched include family tents, blankets, quilts, life jackets, inflatable boats, de-watering pumps, lamps, mats, mosquito nets, infant dry milk, ready-to-eat food, and essential medicines. Pakistan Navy ships and helicopters are already actively engaged in relief operations in Sri Lanka.
Following a special request from the President of Sri Lanka to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, NDMA is also sending temporary bridges from the Pakistan Army to support restoration and access efforts in the affected regions.
