UAE Rushes Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka After Deadly Floods
<p>The United Arab Emirates has launched an urgent humanitarian response to assist Sri Lanka after severe floods and landslides caused widespread devastation across the island nation. Acting on the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE moved quickly to provide lifesaving assistance, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to global humanitarian relief.</p><p>The emergency response is being coordinated through the Joint Operations Command, the UAE Aid Agency, and the Emirates Red Crescent. Together, these entities are overseeing search and rescue missions, as well as the delivery of vital relief supplies to communities directly impacted by the disaster.</p><h3>Rapid rescue operations on the ground</h3><p>As part of the immediate response, specialized search and rescue teams from Abu Dhabi Civil Defence have been deployed to disaster-hit regions. These teams are working alongside local Sri Lankan authorities to locate survivors trapped by floodwaters and landslides and to assist with emergency evacuations from high-risk areas.</p><p>Rescue personnel have been operating in extremely challenging conditions, including unstable terrain, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing adverse weather. Despite these obstacles, the teams continue their efforts to reach isolated communities and prevent further loss of life.</p><h3>Urgent relief supplies dispatched</h3><p>In parallel with rescue missions, the UAE has begun delivering emergency relief supplies to affected populations. The aid includes essential food items, clean drinking water, medical supplies, clothing, and shelter materials such as tents and blankets. These resources are being prioritized for families who have lost their homes or have been displaced due to flooding and landslides.</p><p>Humanitarian teams are focusing on meeting immediate needs, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions. Access to basic necessities remains critical as normal supply chains and daily services have been severely disrupted in many districts.</p><h3>Scale of the disaster</h3><p>The scale of the crisis in Sri Lanka is immense. According to official figures, at least 355 people have lost their lives, while more than 366 individuals remain missing. Over one million residents have been affected nationwide, with widespread damage reported across multiple regions.</p><p>Entire communities have been left inundated, roads and bridges damaged, and hundreds of homes either partially or completely destroyed. Floodwaters have overwhelmed farmlands and urban areas alike, forcing families to flee with minimal belongings and seek safety in temporary shelters.</p><p>The landslides triggered by prolonged heavy rainfall have further compounded the situation, cutting off access to remote areas and increasing the risk of additional collapses. Emergency responders continue to race against time to reach affected populations and stabilize dangerous zones.</p><h3>Focus on recovery and stabilisation</h3><p>Beyond emergency relief, the UAE’s intervention aims to support early recovery and stabilisation efforts. The humanitarian mission is guided by the UAE’s principles of solidarity, compassion, and rapid response during times of crisis.</p><p>Support includes not only immediate aid but also assistance designed to help communities begin rebuilding their lives. This may involve the provision of medical care, rehabilitation support, and longer-term shelter solutions in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities and international partners.</p><p>The UAE has consistently emphasized the importance of moving quickly from emergency response to recovery, ensuring that affected populations are given the tools and support necessary to regain stability and dignity after disaster strikes.</p><h3>A record of global humanitarian support</h3><p>The UAE’s swift response to Sri Lanka’s crisis reflects its broader role as a leading global humanitarian donor. Over the years, the country has provided emergency assistance to regions affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and health emergencies across Asia, Africa, and beyond.</p><p>Through organizations such as the Emirates Red Crescent and the UAE Aid Agency, the UAE has established strong frameworks for rapid deployment, allowing aid to reach those in need efficiently and effectively.</p><h3>Continued commitment to Sri Lanka</h3><p>The UAE has confirmed that humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka will continue in the coming days. Additional aid shipments, including shelter materials and essential supplies, are planned to help ease the suffering of affected families and accelerate recovery efforts.</p><p>Officials reaffirmed that the UAE stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka during this difficult time. By combining rescue operations, immediate relief, and ongoing humanitarian support, the UAE aims to help mitigate the impact of the disaster and support long-term stabilisation.</p><p>As search, rescue, and relief operations continue, the UAE’s actions underscore a clear message: when communities face devastating natural disasters, the UAE remains committed to providing timely assistance and compassion wherever it is needed.</p>