Extreme weather is causing devastation in Sri Lanka. At least 465 people have died and hundreds are missing. Authorities say it's the worst natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami.

Colombo

Sri Lanka is grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides, which have left many communities isolated and in urgent need of assistance. Air Force crews have been delivering food and medical supplies, evacuating civilians, and transporting special forces, but access remains difficult with over 100 roads impassable and 20 bridges collapsed.

Authorities have begun reconnecting main cities to Colombo, but the estimated cost to restore damaged infrastructure is approximately 190 billion. The disaster is considered the country's worst since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, and while the immediate focus is on saving lives, the challenges for rescue teams and the scale of rebuilding remain immense.

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Plans are fluid here at the Katanaka Air Force Base, decided by the needs of those trapped in flood and landslide-affected Sri Lanka. A routine water drop was changed to include dry rations for hundreds of people. More than one and a half tons of supplies, including rice, lentils, canned fish, soya, milk and instant noodles. In addition to dropping off supplies here in Norelia, the crew also picking up medicine from the main hospital to take to Kothmale. Back on the chopper to the next stop, where the crew is met by thankful hospital staff. Some have moved to relief centres, others walked miles in dangerous conditions to get to work. The delivery included medicine for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and blood sugar testing strips which are in short supply. The hospital is running short of fuel for its generator, but that will have to wait for another day. With the cargo delivered, the chopper took on its next task, transporting special force commandos to Mandaram Noira or Misty City. A thick cloud cover meant the pilot could drop only half the group. So it was time to head back to base, taking this group of civilians to safety. People are really scared that there will be landslides. Nothing has reached the village in Kothmale. All the roads are damaged. We walked for days to get out. We're from Gal and came to Kothmale for my father's memorial service. I came with my sister and we got stuck, unable to leave. There was rockfall and water gushing. We took the children and ran to safety. With more than 100 roads still impassable, access to communities remains difficult. We have started clearing and now all the main cities of the country are connected to Colombo. We have around 20 bridges that have collapsed. So we have estimated approximately 190 billion to bring it back to the original position. Sri Lanka faces a huge challenge to rebuild after its worst natural disaster since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. But for now, saving lives is the immediate challenge. The rains may have ceased, but for rescue teams like this Air Force group, the challenges are far from over. Keeping the citizens like those they've picked up on this flight safe is one of their top priorities. Vinay Fernandez, Al Jazeera, aboard a Sri Lankan Air Force rescue flight.

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