The catastrophic impact of Cyclone 'Ditva' in Sri Lanka resulted in over 200 deaths due to devastating floods and landslides as of Sunday. With India's support, extensive relief and rescue efforts are underway in Sri Lanka. According to the latest update from the Disaster Management Center (DMC) of Sri Lanka as of 4 PM on Sunday, 212 fatalities have been recorded since Thursday and numerous people remain missing.
The DMC reports that the severe weather has affected 2,73,606 families, impacting 9,98,918 individuals primarily. Teams from India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), are aiding Sri Lankan authorities in a high-stakes rescue operation.
India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar mentioned in a social media post, "NDRF personnel collaboratively continue the relief mission alongside local authorities. In line with our 'Neighbourhood First' philosophy, India has dispatched 80 personnel in a specialized urban search and rescue team as part of 'Operation Sagar Bandhu'."
IAF Executes Daring Rescue
IAF helicopters conducted a bold hybrid rescue mission, evacuating trapped travelers—including Indian nationals—from a restricted area. A Garud Commando was deployed in Kotmale to navigate the group to a pre-briefed helipad via cross-country treks. From there, 24 individuals, comprising Indians, foreigners, and Sri Lankans, were safely airlifted to Colombo.
Medical Airlift and Relief Supplies...
Simultaneously, three critically injured individuals were airlifted for urgent medical attention to Colombo. To aid in the relief efforts, the IAF team facilitated the airlift of five sets of Sri Lankan army personnel (40 soldiers) from Diyathalawa military camp to the landslide-affected regions of Kotmale. Two IAF transport aircraft (C-130J and IL-76) delivered approximately 21 tons of relief materials to Colombo on Saturday. Moreover, the INS Sukanya, carrying humanitarian aid, departed from Visakhapatnam and is anticipated to reach Sri Lanka soon.
Two Chetak helicopters stationed aboard INS Vikrant have also joined the rescue mission. On Saturday, a Chetak team executed a remarkable rescue of a family stranded on a roof, demonstrating exceptional courage and resolve. The Indian High Commission in Colombo confirmed on social media that the family was safely airlifted to a secure location.
Read Also: Cyclone Ditva causes massive destruction in this state, three dead, 57,000 hectares of crops submerged
Emergency Declared in Sri Lanka...
As per an official gazette released by the Sri Lankan government on Saturday, an island-wide state of emergency has been declared. With the emergency declaration, district secretaries have been empowered with discretionary spending up to 50 million Sri Lankan Rupees. Flood alerts have been issued across major parts of the eastern suburbs of the Sri Lankan capital, with advisories for residents to relocate to safer areas.
The Kelani River and Stranded Indians
Amid rising water levels of the Kelani River to critical thresholds, Colombo District Secretary Prasanna Ginige announced alerts. Schools in danger zones are being utilized as relief centers for flood-displaced persons. Additionally, the Indian High Commission is facilitating the return of stranded Indian travelers through IAF and commercial airline evacuations.
