India Extends Helping Hand to Sri Lanka Amidst Cyclone Ditwah Tragedy
In the wake of the catastrophic devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, India has swiftly mobilized its military and disaster response assets to assist its maritime neighbor, Sri Lanka. Under the humanitarian initiative dubbed Operation Sagar Bandhu, New Delhi has dispatched specialized teams and relief material to mitigate the crisis unfolding across the island nation.
The operation is a coordinated effort involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). According to updates provided by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Indian rescue personnel are already on the ground, actively working in hard-hit districts including Kochikade, Badulla, and Puttalam.
Air and Sea Support
The Indian Air Force has played a pivotal role in the immediate aftermath of the floods. Utilizing Mi-17 helicopters, the IAF successfully conducted evacuation sorties, airlifting 34 stranded citizens—including several children—from the Kotmale area to safety in Colombo. Beyond rescue missions, these choppers are serving as lifelines, distributing food supplies and essential medicines to communities cut off by rising waters.
Logistical support has been massive. The IAF utilized its heavy-lift C-17 aircraft to fly out of Pune, transporting over 80 NDRF personnel along with 8 tonnes of specialized equipment. In total, approximately 21 tonnes of relief material have been delivered to Colombo to aid the flood-affected population.
Simultaneously, India has activated its naval assets. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that the naval vessel INS Sukanya has arrived at the port of Trincomalee, carrying additional disaster response supplies to bolster the relief efforts.
A Humanitarian Crisis
The scale of the disaster in Sri Lanka is heartbreaking. Citing data from the country's Disaster Management Centre (DMC), reports indicate that the death toll has risen to at least 334. The situation remains critical as rescue teams search for nearly 370 people who are still listed as missing.
Through Operation Sagar Bandhu, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to the "Neighbourhood First" policy, providing swift and compassionate support during Sri Lanka's hour of need.
