A Chinese navy fleet kicked off its four-day visit to Sri Lanka on May 31 to provide relief to the people affected by recent floods and landslides.

According to an official statement from China’s Ministry of National Defense, the Chinese navy fleet has already contacted its Sri Lanka counterparts, pledging to provide disaster relief assistance, as well as donating relief supplies, including 500 kilograms of rice, 500 kilograms of flour, 300 boxes of potable water, 300 boxes of instant noodles, 10 rubber search boats, and medicine.

Shen Hao, commander of the fleet, told the media that the relief supplies are from the fleet’s own reserve, adding that they have tried their best to collect as many supplies as possible to help the victims.

Ravindra Wijegunaratne, who commands the Sri Lankan Navy, expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government and the navy fleet, saying that the donated supplies are critical for the country’s disaster relief. He also stressed the importance of the cooperation between the two navy forces, adding that such cooperation will be even closer in the future.

According to Xinhua News Agency, at least 202 people have been killed and 96 people are still missing following heavy rains that triggered flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka since Friday. The floods were the worst to hit the island country since 2003.