Colombo, Sri Lanka, December 1 (ANI): The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have conducted extensive rescue and relief operations across several regions of Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
In a series of updates on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared details on the ongoing efforts. “Operation Sagar Bandhu update. NDRF teams in action. The @NDRFHQ personnel carried out rescue operations in Kochikade, Puttalam, and Badulla areas of Sri Lanka,” he wrote.
In another update, he stated, “Operation Sagar Bandhu update. Relief efforts continue in Sri Lanka through Mi-17 helicopters of @IAF_MCC. Evacuated 34 citizens, including children, from Kotmale to Colombo. They also distributed medical aid and food supplies.”
Earlier on Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared that INS Sukanya had arrived in Trincomalee carrying relief materials.
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to support Sri Lanka after the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Responding swiftly, India has assisted its neighbor through rescue missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, and delivery of essential supplies.
Jaishankar also noted that an additional Indian Air Force aircraft landed in Colombo on Sunday with disaster response materials. According to the Indian Air Force, an IAF C-17 aircraft transported NDRF teams and equipment from Pune as part of the ongoing mission, which has included the mobilization of domestic support operations.
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Air Force delivered 21 tonnes of relief materials, more than 80 NDRF personnel, and 8 tonnes of equipment to Colombo to support those affected by severe flooding.
The scale and urgency of these operations highlight India’s firm commitment to assisting Sri Lanka in its time of crisis, as the IAF continues to provide prompt, coordinated, and compassionate HADR support under challenging circumstances.
At least 334 people have been confirmed dead, while 370 remain missing in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, the Daily Mirror reported on Monday, citing Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre. (ANI)
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