Bangladesh has dispatched humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastating floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwa, which have so far claimed 334 lives and left over 200 people missing.
The information was confirmed in a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday (3 December).
According to ISPR, Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre reported that more than 20,000 houses have been damaged, while 123,000 people have been relocated to government-run temporary shelters. Bangladesh expressed deep sorrow over the suffering of the people of the friendly nation. In the wake of the disaster, the Sri Lankan government declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also requested the Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo to urgently send food, medicine, and other essential relief items.
ISPR added that, following directives from the Chief Adviser and coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Bangladesh Air Force C-130J transport aircraft departed for Colombo on Wednesday carrying emergency relief supplies. The mission includes 15 Air Force crew members, along with one representative each from the Armed Forces Division and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Air Commodore Mohammad Shahidul Islam is leading the mission as the team’s commander.
The aircraft transported around 10 tonnes of relief materials, including tents, dry food, mosquito nets, flashlights, gumboots, vests, hand gloves, rescue helmets, and a large consignment of medicines.
The C-130J aircraft is scheduled to return to Bangladesh later the same day upon completion of the humanitarian mission.
The Bangladesh Armed Forces expressed hope that the emergency aid will help alleviate the suffering of those affected by the sudden floods and landslides in Sri Lanka. It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting global humanitarian efforts as directed by the government.
