COLOMBO/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched a comprehensive, military-supported Major Relief Operation for flood-hit Sri Lanka, where authorities struggled on Sunday to contain rising waters in parts of the capital after Cyclone Ditwah left at least 159 people dead and more than 200 missing across the country.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said northern Colombo was facing severe flooding as water levels continued to swell in the Kelani River following a week of torrential rains triggered by the powerful cyclone, which moved away from Sri Lanka on Saturday.
“Although the cyclone has left us, heavy rains upstream are now flooding low-lying areas,” a DMC official said.
According to official data, 203 people remain missing, more than 20,000 homes have been destroyed, and around 122,000 people have taken shelter in state-run facilities. Another 833,000 people require assistance. Authorities said that nearly one-third of the country is without electricity or running water due to submerged purification plants and damaged power lines, while internet services have been widely disrupted.
State of Emergency and International Response
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency and appealed for global support. India became the first to respond, sending relief supplies and two helicopters with crew for rescue operations. Japan has also announced plans to dispatch a team to assess urgent humanitarian needs.
Troops from the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force have been deployed, alongside civilian agencies and volunteers, to assist in rescue and evacuation operations. Several major roads remain inaccessible, particularly in central Sri Lanka, one of the hardest-hit regions.
Pakistan Leads Regional Support With Large-Scale Assistance
On the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has mobilised a significant relief mission through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in coordination with the armed forces.
PNS SAIF currently on port call in Colombo, delivered humanitarian assistance & disaster‑relief to affectees of Cyclone Ditwah & severe rains in Sri Lanka. Aid includes food staples, MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), dry rations, first‑aid kits & medicines, along with equipment.1/2 pic.twitter.com/Df84vQGDf1
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) November 29, 2025
In a statement posted shortly after midnight, the NDMA said a 45-member Army Urban Search & Rescue team, along with mobile field hospitals, boats, life jackets, tents, blankets, infant milk, medicines, and food packs, will depart for Colombo via a C-130 aircraft on Monday from Noor Khan Airbase.
🇵🇰🤝🇱🇰Pakistan extends full solidarity to flood-hit Sri Lanka
On the directions of the Prime Minister, NDMA in coordination with Pakistan Armed Forces has initiated a comprehensive relief assistance operation for Srilanka. @GovtofPakistan @PakPMO @PTVNewsOfficial
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) November 29, 2025
“Pakistan will continue to provide support to flood-hit Sri Lanka,” the NDMA said.
You May Also Like: Quetta Police Arrest Dozens in 80 Intelligence-Based Operations Over Six Weeks
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Navy has already delivered humanitarian assistance to Sri Lankan authorities at Colombo port. Supplies included food staples, dry rations, meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), first-aid kits, medicines and equipment. The Navy said the timely support underscored its commitment to regional cooperation and solidarity during crises.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed condolences over the loss of life, reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to extend “any support in rescue, recovery and relief efforts”.
Sri Lanka’s Deadliest Disaster in Years
Cyclone Ditwah is now Sri Lanka’s deadliest natural disaster since 2017, when floods and landslides killed more than 200 people. The worst flooding in recent decades occurred in June 2003, when 254 people died.
Check out our latest video:
