Israel sent $20,000 worth of supplies to the Disaster Relief Management Ministry of Sri Lanka, following recent floods and landslides that have caused countless deaths and much damage in the island nation.

The disaster relief supplies included water pumps, water filters, solar lighting kits and LED torches, as well as 50,000 tablets for water purification, to people and areas that were significantly affected by the disaster.

At the height of the floods, a third of Colombo’s 650,000 residents were driven out of their homes, according to official figures.  

The Disaster Management Center said 101 people were known to have died last week while another 100 people were still listed as missing.

At a later stage, depending on the needs of the Sri Lankan people, Israel will send experts in the field of water to conduct examinations.

“Friendship between people – but more so between nations – is tested in times of need. As a friend and partner of Sri Lanka, Israel was honored to provide emergency assistance following the recent floods,” said Daniel Carmon, Ambassador of Israel to Sri Lanka.

“We have every intention that this emergency aid would ease the recovery of the areas affected by the floods and that it will transform into a strong and meaningful cooperation in the field of water. This year our National Day reception that will take place tonight in Colombo, will be dedicated in honor of victims of the flood and to cementing our strong friendship,” said Carmon.

“Our hearts and minds are with the People of Sri Lanka and especially the families of the victims and all of those who were affected by the floods, as the loss of lives and the damages are truly heart breaking.”