Air Force on stand-by as heavy rains batter most parts of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force has instructed to place aircraft and Air Force personnel on standby to deploy to areas that are affected by the heavy rains, floods, and landslides.

The Sri Lanka Air Force has stationed a Beach Craft 200 from the No 3 Maritime Squadron at China Bay to conduct aerial surveillance.

In addition, a BELL 212 Helicopter, a BELL 412 Helicopter, and an MI-17 Helicopter are on stand-by at the Ratmalana Air Force Base.

Two BELL 212 Helicopters are on stand-by at the Hingurakgoda Air Force Base, while another BELL 212 was positioned at the Palali Air Force Base.

In addition, one MI-17 Helicopter was positioned at the Anuradhapura and Weerawila Air Force Bases and a Y-12 aircraft is also on standby at the Ampara Air Force Base.

Sri Lanka Air Force Regimental Special Forces specially trained in Search and Rescue operations, as well as Sri Lanka Air Force Search and Rescue operators and Relief Teams, are also on stand-by, to be deployed to disaster-prone areas.