ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday offered to extend support in rescue and relief efforts as the death toll from heavy rains and landslides in Sri Lanka rose to 123. 

Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Center (DMC) said heavy rains and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah has risen to 123, with another 130 reportedly missing.

Sri Lanka experienced severe weather conditions last week, which worsened on Thursday with heavy downpours that flooded homes, fields and roads, triggering landslides across the island country. Friday saw the government close its offices and schools as the rains worsened. 

“We stand ready to extend any support in rescue, recovery and relief efforts as a symbol of our solidarity with our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X. 

The Pakistani premier said Islamabad was “deeply saddened” by the devastation in Sri Lanka, extending his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones to the floods. 

“Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Sri Lanka in this hour of grief,” he said. 

 Over 20,000 police and military personnel have stepped up evacuations in multiple towns, including the outskirts of Sri Lanka’s Colombo city, after authorities warned of rising flood waters.

Pakistan has also been reeling from this year’s floods that killed more than 1,000 people and affected around 3.6 million across the country, where scientists say rising temperatures are making monsoon rains heavier and more erratic.