Colombo, Sri Lanka, Nov. 29 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:

The Sri Lanka Navy has deployed 141 Disaster Relief Teams to assist communities affected by the prevailing adverse weather. As of 0730 hrs today (29 November), 79 teams are actively engaged in rescue and relief efforts across all provinces.

Since the commencement of operations on 22 November, the Navy has successfully rescued over 900 individuals and safely transported nearly 2,000 people using naval craft.

Yesterday (28 November), a challenging operation was launched in the Kala Oya area to rescue passengers stranded inside a bus caught in rising floodwaters. Despite heavy rain and rapidly increasing water levels-making both ground and air rescue attempts difficult-the Navy persisted.

A special rescue operation was re-initiated last night, and by 0800 hrs today, Navy rescue teams successfully brought 25 individuals, including a foreign national woman, to safety using small craft.

The Sri Lanka Navy continues its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, utilizing all available resources as rescue and relief operations remain ongoing.

Sri Lanka Navy Intensifies Islandwide Disaster Relief & Rescue Operations

The Sri Lanka Navy has deployed 141 Disaster Relief Teams to assist communities affected by the ongoing adverse weather conditions. As of 0730 hrs today (29 November), 79 teams are actively engaged in rescue and relief missions across all provinces.

Since the initiation of relief operations on 22 November, the Navy has successfully rescued over 900 people and safely transported nearly 2,000 individuals using naval craft to safer locations.

On 28 November, a complex rescue mission was launched in the Kala Oya area to assist passengers trapped inside a bus caught in rapidly rising floodwaters. Despite heavy rainfall and challenging conditions - making both ground and air rescue attempts difficult - the Navy persisted. An attempted aerial rescue using a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell-212 helicopter was also hindered by the severe weather.

However, a special rescue operation was relaunched late last night, and by 0800 hrs today, Navy personnel successfully rescued 25 individuals, including a foreign national woman, using small craft.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.