Strengthening Disaster Response: Navy’s A-PAD SAR Team Combat Sri Lanka’s Flood Crisis
In response to the increasing risk of flooding across key river basins, the Sri Lanka Navy has deployed specialized teams from its Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS). Among them are 37 Navy personnel who underwent the Swift Water Search and Rescue training conducted by A-PAD SL, and are stationed across disaster-prone regions providing rapid and effective rescue operations. The Swift Water Search and Rescue training is a specialized program designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of personnel in disaster response, particularly in search and rescue operations during natural calamities.
The deployment comes at a critical time as several major river basins like Malwathu Oya, Mahaweli River, Kala Oya, and Deduru Oya have become the epicenter of floods, affecting communities and infrastructure in vulnerable areas. To address these risks, RABS teams have been strategically deployed to the following key locations such as Trincomalee, Thalaimannar, Arachikattuwa – Puttalam, Pallama – Puttalam, Halawatha – Puttalam, Kurunegala, Vanni, and Jaffna.
A-PAD SAR Training: Enhancing Preparedness and Sharing Expertise
Among the 37 deployed personnel 20 are certified in A-PAD SAR Level 1, skilled in foundational rescue techniques including swift water rescues and life saving techniques and 17 are certified in A-PAD SAR Level 2, possessing advanced expertise to handle high-risk and complex rescue scenarios.
In addition to their operational readiness, these trained personnel have shared their A-PAD SAR knowledge with fellow Navy members through on-the-job mentoring and practical demonstrations. This peer-to-peer learning has expanded SAR capabilities within the Navy, ensuring that even those not trained in A-PAD SAR training program are equipped with essential knowledge. This collaborative approach strengthens the overall disaster response efforts and enhances the Navy’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively in flood-affected areas.
A Way Forward
As flooding continues to impact communities, the Navy’s deployment underscores the importance of preparedness and collaboration. By combining specialized training with a culture of knowledge sharing, the Navy is better positioned to safeguard vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
