Pakistan Navy evacuates family stranded in Sri Lanka floods

KARACHI:  Pakistan Navy personnel have evacuated a family stranded in Sri Lanka floods, Director General Public Relations – Navy (DGPR Navy) said on Monday.

During the ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts in Sri Lanka, the Z-9 helicopter embarked on Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF conducted rescue operations in the flooded Kotikawatta area, Colombo, Sri Lanka, DGPR Navy said.

It said during search and rescue operation the family, including a 7-month-old infant, stranded for the last five days were safely recovered from a rooftop.

“Subsequently, the evacuated family was transported to safe location in coordination with the local authorities,” it said, adding that the successful conduct of rescue operation is a testimony of Pakistan Navy’s professionalism and commitment to international obligations.

The DGPR said Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF with embarked helicopter is on overseas deployment to Sir Lanka.

Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF had earlier started the HADR operation to support the local populace affected by Cyclone Ditwah and ensuing torrential rains which have caused widespread devastation across Sri Lanka, as per the military’s media wing.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday said PNS SAIF provided humanitarian relief supplies to Sri Lankan authorities to augment ongoing national relief efforts.

The aid package comprised food staples, Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), dry rations, first-aid kits, emergency medicines and essential equipment.