Colombo [Sri Lanka], November 30 (ANI): The Indian Air Force’s C-130J military transport aircraft landed in Colombo at 10 a.m. on Sunday carrying relief supplies, as India intensified humanitarian efforts in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah. The aircraft is also expected to evacuate stranded Indian citizens.
Earlier on Sunday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the close coordination between National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and Sri Lankan authorities during ongoing relief operations across the island nation. In a post on X, he said, “@NDRFHQ personnel, in close coordination with local authorities, continue to undertake relief operations in Sri Lanka. #OperationSagarBandhu.”
The Sri Lankan Air Force also shared updates on NDRF rescue efforts, while the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka reported that NDRF teams have been conducting operations in inaccessible, flood-affected regions to help bring stranded individuals to safety.
In another update on X, the Indian Air Force said it has positioned Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo for swift Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions as part of India’s ongoing support.
Operation Sagar Bandhu has mobilized aid through the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and 80 NDRF personnel who have been working around the clock to safeguard lives. So far, India has airlifted 27 tonnes of relief material to Colombo. A C-130 transport aircraft and an Ilyushin IL-76 from Hindan Air Base departed Friday night carrying 21 tonnes of relief material, more than 80 NDRF personnel, and eight tonnes of equipment.
Jaishankar noted that relief supplies have also been delivered through INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri. Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant have been deployed for search and rescue operations in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka, expressing sorrow for the lives lost in the cyclone and wishing strength and recovery to affected families. Demonstrating solidarity with India’s closest maritime partner, the Government of India rapidly dispatched crucial relief supplies under Operation Sagar Bandhu and reaffirmed readiness to provide additional assistance as needed.
Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to standing firmly with Sri Lanka in its time of crisis. Earlier this year, Modi announced the MAHASAGAR doctrine—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—during his visit to Mauritius, expanding upon the decade-old SAGAR vision and emphasizing broader regional and global maritime cooperation.
According to Daily Mirror Online, two Indian Navy helicopters rescued eight individuals trapped by floodwaters in Pannala. Four Indian helicopters are currently engaged in rescue missions across Sri Lanka, working alongside the Sri Lanka Air Force, Navy, Army, Police, and other first responders to carry out evacuations, deliver emergency supplies, and support communities affected by severe flooding.
India is also assisting stranded passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, where adverse weather has disrupted air traffic. The Indian High Commission in Colombo is providing affected Indian travelers with food, water, and other support.
Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that, as of Saturday evening, the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah had risen to 153, with 191 people still missing. Nearly 15,000 homes have been destroyed, displacing almost 44,000 people to state-run shelters.
Amid the widespread devastation, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake issued an extraordinary gazette on Saturday declaring a state of public emergency. (ANI)
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