Cyclone Fengal occurred in the south eastern Bay of Bengal on November 23, causing extensive damage. According to the Sri Lankan government, as of December 3, 18 people have died and approximately 470,000 people have been affected.

 

The Sri Lankan Navy has dispatched a specialized Rapid Attack Boat Squadron (RABS) to the affected areas. Among them were 37 naval personnel who underwent water search-and-rescue training conducted by A-PAD Sri Lanka and carried out swift rescue operations in the dangerous Mahaweli River, saving many lives.  

The Swift Water Search and Rescue Training is a program led by overseas experts designed to improve search-and-rescue skills during natural disasters and has been conducted for the past several years. The results of continuous practical training aimed at improving the abilities of Sri Lankan rescue personnel and producing leaders are gradually beginning to appear, leading to improved skills of the country’s naval rescue team. 

 

In addition, A-PAD Sri Lanka, which regularly collaborates with various partner organizations, disseminates information related to weather warnings and advisories from the Disaster Management Center (DMC), National Building Research Organization (NBRO), Irrigation Department, and Meteorological Department.  Coordinating with the media, A-PAD also contributed to the creation of a program in which experts assess flood damage and advise on recovery and reconstruction.