UAE Rescue Teams Wrap Up Vital Humanitarian Mission in Sri Lanka
UAE relief teams have completed their humanitarian mission in Sri Lanka after delivering 116 tons of emergency aid to victims of Cyclone Belal and devastating landslides. The operation, ordered by President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, included both rescue operations and essential supplies for displaced families.
The UAE's search and rescue teams carried out specialized field operations that recovered 20 bodies of missing persons and provided medical assistance to 8 people with minor injuries. All operations were coordinated with local Sri Lankan authorities to ensure effective response efforts.
The 116 tons of humanitarian aid included food supplies, shelter materials, tents, and emergency relief bags. These supplies targeted families who lost their homes and belongings during the cyclone and subsequent landslides that hit multiple regions across Sri Lanka.
**Search and rescue operations proved critical** in the aftermath of the natural disaster. The UAE teams worked alongside local emergency services to locate missing persons trapped under debris from landslides. The recovery of 20 bodies provided closure for families searching for missing relatives, while the medical assistance helped treat those injured during the disaster.
Sri Lanka has faced increasing challenges from extreme weather events in recent years. Cyclone Belal brought heavy rainfall that triggered landslides in mountainous regions, displacing thousands of families and destroying infrastructure. The country's emergency response capabilities have been stretched thin due to ongoing economic difficulties.
This mission reflects the UAE's established approach to international disaster relief. The country has built a reputation for rapid humanitarian response, often deploying specialized teams and substantial aid packages within days of natural disasters occurring worldwide. Such efforts strengthen diplomatic relationships while providing crucial assistance during emergency situations.
The completion of this mission marks another chapter in UAE-Sri Lanka relations, with the Gulf nation consistently supporting Sri Lanka through various economic and humanitarian challenges over the past several years.
Layla Al Mansoori