Keagalle [Sri Lanka], December 1 (ANI): The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka reported that an Indian Air Force IFC 1875 helicopter safely evacuated 57 stranded individuals on Monday, including 10 children, and delivered 2.5 tons of rations at Keagalle.
In a post on X, the High Commission stated, “Operation Sagar Bandhu continues to save lives. IAF IFC 1875 helicopter safely evacuated 57 stranded persons, including 10 children from Irunguwatta to Matale earlier today. It also delivered 2.5 tons of rations at Keagalle today.”
Cyclone Ditwah has caused severe flooding, loss of life, and widespread disruption across Sri Lanka. In response, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, 2025, to provide urgent search-and-rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) support to its maritime neighbor, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
In coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, India immediately delivered 9.5 tons of emergency rations via two Indian Navy ships in Colombo, deployed three Indian Air Force aircraft to airlift 31.5 tons of relief materials—including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food items, medicines, and surgical equipment—along with two BHISHM cubes and a five-person medical team for on-site training. Additionally, 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel specializing in urban search and rescue (USAR) were deployed, and another 12 tons of relief supplies were delivered aboard INS Sukanya. In total, 53 tons of relief material have been handed over.
Working alongside the Sri Lankan Air Force, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and IAF Mi-17 helicopters conducted extensive rescue operations, evacuating stranded people, including pregnant women, infants, and critically injured individuals. Rescued persons included nationals from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. NDRF teams continue search-and-rescue operations in severely affected and isolated regions, assisting flood-impacted families and ensuring their safety. Over 150 people have been rescued through these combined operations, which are ongoing.
Evacuations of Indian nationals stranded due to Cyclone Ditwah have also been carried out via special Indian Air Force and commercial flights, with more than 2,000 Indians safely brought back.
Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, the country continues to serve as the first responder, standing in solidarity with the government and people of Sri Lanka and remaining committed to ongoing rescue, relief, and early recovery efforts.
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