UAE Launches Urgent Rescue & Relief Support for Sri Lanka Floods

The United Arab Emirates has taken fast and strong action to help Sri Lanka after the country was hit by very heavy rains that caused massive floods and dangerous landslides. These disasters destroyed homes, blocked roads, and left many people in great need. The UAE acted on the direct orders of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to quickly support the people of Sri Lanka.

This urgent help is being carried out through the Joint Operations Command, the UAE Aid Agency, and the Emirates Red Crescent. All these groups are working together to make sure help reaches the affected people as fast as possible. The UAE’s response is aimed at saving lives, giving support to families who lost their homes, and helping Sri Lanka return to normal life.

The floods and landslides in Sri Lanka have caused huge destruction across many districts of the country. More than 355 people have lost their lives, and over 366 people are still missing. The disaster has also affected more than one million people, making this one of the most severe emergencies the country has faced in recent years.

Many homes have been washed away or damaged badly. Roads, bridges, and buildings have been destroyed. Families have been forced to leave their houses and seek temporary shelter. Daily life has stopped in many areas because people do not have electricity, clean water, or access to food.

The scale of the disaster has made it difficult for local authorities to cope alone, which is why international support—like the help from the UAE—has become extremely important.

One of the first steps the UAE took was sending search and rescue teams from the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence. Their main job is to search for people trapped under debris, help those stuck in flooded areas, and provide medical assistance to people who have been injured.

The teams include trained specialists who know how to work in dangerous environments. They use boats, special tools, and rescue equipment to reach people in remote or flooded places. Their quick arrival in Sri Lanka has made a big difference, especially in areas where local rescue workers needed extra support because the situation was too large to handle alone.

The UAE also sent large amounts of urgent relief materials to the affected regions. These supplies include:

• Essential food items for families who lost access to food

• Shelter materials like tents, blankets, and mattresses

• Basic necessities needed for survival during emergencies

Many families in Sri Lanka have lost everything—their homes, clothes, and belongings were all washed away in the floods. For them, the UAE’s relief trucks and aircraft have brought immediate hope and comfort. The supplies are being distributed in the worst-hit districts to ensure people have food to eat and a safe place to stay.

The UAE has always followed a strong humanitarian policy: helping countries in need without delay. This is part of the nation’s belief in supporting human dignity, protecting lives, and giving aid to people affected by natural disasters or crises.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has repeatedly emphasized that the UAE will always stand by countries facing emergencies. This includes sending rescue teams, giving food, providing shelter, and offering medical support.

In this case, the UAE saw that Sri Lanka was facing a major humanitarian crisis and acted immediately to reduce suffering and speed up recovery.

Among the people affected are vulnerable groups such as:

• The elderly

• Young children

• People with disabilities

• Patients and injured individuals

• Families with no homes left

The UAE’s aid plan gives special attention to these groups. In emergency situations, they are the ones who struggle the most. Relief teams are making sure they receive care, medication, and safe shelter.

Restoring Stability and Supporting Recovery

The goal of the UAE’s intervention is not only to give immediate help but also to support long-term recovery. By providing search and rescue, food, water, clothing, and shelter materials, the UAE is helping Sri Lanka rebuild step by step.

These efforts will help restore normal life in the affected regions, allowing people to start over after losing so much. The UAE’s support will reduce pressure on local authorities and help make recovery faster and more organized.

The UAE has confirmed that its assistance will not stop with a single shipment. More humanitarian aid, food packages, and shelter materials will continue to be sent to Sri Lanka.

This ongoing support aims to:

• Reduce the suffering of affected families

• Help communities rebuild

• Provide stability during a difficult period

• Make sure families have essential items until they recover

The UAE has a long history of supporting friendly countries in times of crisis, and Sri Lanka is receiving that same strong and compassionate support now.

This entire response reflects the UAE’s commitment to global humanitarian values. The country believes that helping people in need—regardless of nationality or background—is a human duty.

Through the Joint Operations Command, the UAE Aid Agency, and the Emirates Red Crescent, the UAE is working as one team to make sure the people of Sri Lanka receive the help they urgently need during this disaster.