UAE launches urgent response to Sri Lanka’s floods, landslides
- Last updated: December 1, 2025 | 15:55 ..
In implementation of the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has launched an urgent response to the humanitarian situation resulting from the floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall across Sri Lanka, through the Joint Operations Command, the UAE Aid Agency, and the Emirates Red Crescent.
The response includes search and rescue operations in affected areas carried out by teams from Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, as well as the delivery of urgent relief supplies consisting of essential food items and critical shelter materials for those impacted by the disaster.
The disaster has resulted in the deaths of at least 355 people, while more than 366 remain missing. Over one million people have been affected, daily life has been disrupted and hundreds of homes have been partially or fully damaged in several districts.
The UAE’s urgent intervention aims to support rapid recovery efforts and help restore stability, in line with the country’s humanitarian approach based on swiftly extending assistance to those in need, including vulnerable groups, patients and those affected by natural disasters and crises around the world. This includes immediate response measures, the deployment of search and rescue teams and the provision of various forms of support to ensure access to essential food, medicine, clothing and shelter in such emergency situations.
The UAE will continue sending humanitarian aid and shelter materials to the friendly Sri Lankan people to help alleviate the suffering of those affected and ensure the acceleration of recovery and stabilisation efforts.