In response to the catastrophic impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, India has expedited its humanitarian assistance efforts to Sri Lanka, delivering over 27 tonnes of essential relief material. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that an additional Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft arrived in Colombo on Saturday, carrying vital supplies and support.
The latest delivery included 9 tonnes of relief goods as well as two Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) teams comprising 80 trained personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). These teams are specially equipped to conduct search and rescue operations in areas severely affected by flooding. India’s relief efforts have been mobilized via both air and sea routes, with plans for more shipments already in the works.
The urgent request for assistance from Sri Lanka came as the cyclone caused widespread flooding, landslides, and significant damage to infrastructure, particularly in the eastern provinces. Responding swiftly, the Indian government activated a rapid deployment strategy, dispatching NDRF teams from Hindon Air Base that arrived in Colombo just hours later.
To date, India has transported almost 21 tonnes of crucial supplies, including tents, blankets, mattresses, dignity kits, and various emergency items designed to assist those displaced by the disaster. Earlier this week, two more NDRF teams, along with four trained search dogs, were sent with advanced Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) equipment, including inflatable rescue boats, hydraulic cutters, medical kits, and satellite communication systems.
Under the initiative dubbed Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Air Force has employed both C-130 and IL-76 aircraft during night operations to facilitate the delivery of aid and personnel. As Sri Lankan authorities work to address the severe humanitarian challenges posed by the flooding, relief operations are expected to expand.
The supplies being delivered—ranging from food rations and emergency stores to rescue gear—are essential in stabilizing affected districts and bolstering evacuation and recovery efforts currently underway.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to regional solidarity, the government has expressed that it stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this critical time. As the situation evolves, more cargo flights and naval shipments are anticipated to depart for Colombo, amplifying the ongoing efforts to provide support.
