Colombo, Nov 30:
India has extended vital humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka as the island nation reels under severe weather caused by Cyclone Ditwah. A fresh batch of relief materials—facilitated by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka—was handed over to the Chief Secretary of the Eastern Province and the Trincomalee District Administration on Saturday.
The consignment, delivered under Operation Sagar Bandhu, included dry rations, essential supplies, clothing, and fuel. The handover took place at Lanka IOC in Trincomalee. In a post on X, the Indian High Commission stated that the relief effort also included contributions from the Indian community in Colombo, who “stand in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka” during this crisis.
Cyclone Ditwah has caused widespread flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, prompting India to launch Operation Sagar Bandhu to support relief and rescue operations. Earlier in the day, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a dramatic rescue mission near Kotmale, saving 24 stranded individuals. Those rescued included Sri Lankan citizens as well as nationals from India, Germany, the UK, Slovenia, and South Africa.
According to the High Commission, three critically injured persons were airlifted to Colombo for immediate medical treatment. IAF helicopters also transported Sri Lankan Army personnel to landslide-hit areas to bolster ongoing rescue efforts.
Detailing the rescue, the IAF said that a Garud commando was lowered into a restricted zone to guide the stranded group through a difficult cross-country route to a designated helipad at Kotmale. From there, the 24 evacuees were flown to Colombo.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka continues to battle relentless rain, flash floods, and landslides. According to the Disaster Management Centre, at least 153 people have died and 191 remain missing as search and rescue operations intensify across affected regions.
