Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the catastrophic aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has triggered widespread flooding and deadly landslides across the island nation. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reports the confirmed death toll has climbed past 200 (with figures fluctuating and expected to rise), and hundreds of thousands of people have been affected, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency.
In a swift and comprehensive response, India has mobilized an extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, 'Operation Sagar Bandhu,' deploying the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.
IAF Rescues Citizens from Multiple Countries
In a remarkable display of regional cooperation and humanitarian outreach, the Indian Air Force has successfully rescued scores of stranded individuals, including foreign nationals, from remote and cut-off areas like the landslide-hit Kotmale region.
- Global Rescue Mission: IAF Mi-17 and Chetak helicopters have evacuated passengers from over 10 countries, including Germany, South Africa, Slovenia, the UK, Iran, Australia, Bangladesh, and notably, Pakistan, alongside Indian and Sri Lankan citizens.
- High-Risk Operations: In one critical mission, an IAF Garud commando was winched down to guide a group of 24 stranded passengers, including foreigners, through difficult terrain to a helipad for evacuation to Colombo.
- Critical Aid Airlifted: IAF C-130J and IL-76 military transport aircraft have repeatedly landed in Colombo, airlifting over 27 tonnes of critical relief materials, including specialized medical supplies, tents, blankets, and essential food items.
"Operation Sagar Bandhu continues as India stands with the people of Sri Lanka. The multi-agency effort reflects our commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy." — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar (via social media)
Navy and NDRF Lead Ground Operations
The Indian Navy has also played a crucial role, with assets like the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and warship INS Udaigiri delivering the first tranches of humanitarian supplies and deploying Chetak helicopters for aerial search and rescue.
- NDRF Deployment: Over 80 specialized NDRF personnel, along with rescue dogs and heavy equipment, are actively conducting ground search and rescue operations in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Army in flooded and inaccessible areas.
- Medical Support: India has also delivered BHISHM modular trauma cubes—rapid-deployment mobile primary health units—and an IAF Medical Team to reinforce Sri Lanka's overstretched public health services, which are facing critically low blood supplies.
The scale of the disaster, with over one million people affected by flooding and landslides, has prompted an international appeal for assistance. India's swift and comprehensive response highlights its role as the region's first responder, extending aid to all those affected irrespective of nationality, in line with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
