ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has dispatched 200 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka via sea after India refused permission for the aircraft to use its airspace, forcing Islamabad to opt for a longer maritime route, the Foreign Office said on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka is grappling with one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history following Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed at least 465 people, left 366 missing, and affected more than 1.5 million residents. Though the rains have eased, authorities warn that the death toll is likely to rise as rescuers reach isolated communities that had been cut off for days.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance to deal with the large-scale destruction caused by floods and landslides across all parts of the country.
Pakistan Sends Aid via Sea Route
“Pakistan has dispatched 200 tons of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka via sea cargo to support relief efforts following the devastating cyclone Ditwah,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
A send-off ceremony was held in Islamabad, attended by Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne.
“Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka,” the statement added.
Worst Disaster Since 2004 Tsunami
Sri Lankan officials say the devastation is the worst since the 2004 Boxing Day earthquake and tsunami, which left tens of thousands dead. This time, every district has been hit by severe flooding or landslides, overwhelming rescue efforts.
Across the region, intense monsoon rains combined with two tropical systems also triggered deadly flooding in Indonesia’s Sumatra region, southern Thailand, and northern Malaysia.
More than 1,300 people have died in the four countries affected as governments and aid agencies rush supplies to stranded communities.
Climate Change Intensifying Weather Events
Experts warn that climate change is amplifying extreme weather patterns, with warmer air holding more moisture and warmer oceans fueling stronger, more destructive storms — trends clearly reflected in the widespread devastation triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.
