Bangladesh Sends Relief Mission to Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka

Photo : Collected

Bangladesh will send emergency relief supplies and a rescue team to disaster-stricken Sri Lanka on 3 December, subject to weather conditions, following the directive of Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus as the country grapples with severe floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditva.

The humanitarian mission will be conducted using two special Bangladesh Air Force aircraft carrying essential relief materials and a dedicated rescue unit, according to a press release issued by the foreign ministry.

The operation is being jointly coordinated by the Chief Adviser’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Ministry of Health, Armed Forces Division, BGMEA and Essential Drugs Company Ltd.

Sri Lanka has been devastated by sudden flash floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditva, which have so far claimed 355 lives, while at least 366 people remain missing.

More than 20,000 homes have been damaged, and nearly 210,000 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters.

The Sri Lankan government has declared a state of emergency and appealed to the international community for urgent assistance.

The release noted that Bangladesh has consistently responded swiftly to humanitarian crises in South Asia, extending support to neighbouring countries during major natural disasters and emergencies.