By Srinivasan Iyer
India has intensified its assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu to aid Sri Lanka following severe flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
On 29 November, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant airlifted stranded individuals to safe locations. On 30 November, MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force conducted rescue missions near Kotmale, reaching isolated areas and saving pregnant women, infants, and critically injured persons. Rescued individuals included citizens from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the U.K., South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Helicopters also transported critically injured patients to Colombo and airlifted Sri Lankan Army personnel to affected zones.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force arrived in Colombo on 29 November and carried out operations in Kochikade, working with local authorities. NDRF teams are now active in Puttalam and Badulla, assisting flood-affected families and ensuring their immediate safety.
Evacuation of stranded Indian nationals continues via commercial flights and IAF aircraft. Around 750 passengers have been safely brought back, with further evacuations underway.
As a first responder, India will continue its humanitarian and rescue efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu, reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation and relief in times of crisis.
