Indian Army provides critical surgeries and bridges to restore connectivity.

In a significant display of neighborly support, the Indian Army has intensified its rescue and rehabilitation mission in Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Operating under the banner of Operation Sagar Bandhu, Indian forces have been working tirelessly on the ground to provide life-saving medical care and restore essential infrastructure.

According to recent updates from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the Indian Army's field hospital has become a beacon of hope for the affected communities. The medical team has successfully treated more than 1,250 patients so far. The assistance goes beyond basic first aid; the team has performed five major emergency surgeries, proving the critical nature of the support being offered.

Beyond medical relief, restoring physical connectivity remains a top priority. To address this, India has inducted three Bailey Bridges into the island nation. These pre-fabricated bridge units are crucial for reconnecting areas cut off by the cyclone's destruction. The Indian Army is working closely with the local Sri Lankan administration to identify the most strategic locations for these bridges, ensuring that relief supplies can reach remote areas faster.

The swift and effective response has drawn appreciation from high-ranking officials. Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, recently visited the Indian field hospital. During his interaction with the medical personnel, he expressed deep gratitude for India’s rapid mobilization and the high standard of care being provided to the distressed population.

On the logistical front, the flow of aid continues uninterrupted. On Saturday, the fourth C17 aircraft landed in Colombo, marking the third delivery of bridge components. As confirmed by Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, this specific consignment included 55 tonnes of bridge stores, a JCB excavator, and a specialized team of 13 personnel from the Engineer Corps.

As Operation Sagar Bandhu progresses, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to acting as a first responder in the region, combining medical expertise with engineering prowess to help Sri Lanka recover from this natural calamity.