COLOMBO: India and Pakistan were among the first countries to respond in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s flash flood disaster which has killed at least 103 persons with another 100 categorised as missing and over 53,000 persons displaced.

At least 113 persons were injured by the disaster which has affected Galle, Matara and Ratnapura districts.

The Indian vessel INS Kirch, a Kora Class Corve­t­­te, arrived in Colombo on Saturday with two more naval vessels, INS Shardul and INS Jalashwa, the former a tank carrier, and the latter a landing craft are expected on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

Pakistan has discussed with Lankan authorities on the items needed and are taking steps to immediately dispatch them to Sri Lanka, the Pakistan High Commis­sion said.

Indian High Commissio­ner Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who handed over the Indian aid to Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayke, said the INS Kirch had arrived with around 125 personnel on board, offloaded supplies, including inflatable Gemini boats with diving teams, and a mobile medical team with supplies.

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2017