NDRF Intensifies Relief Ops in Sri Lanka Under Operation Sagar Bandhu

Colombo- India has stepped up its humanitarian support to Sri Lanka as the island nation battles severe weather caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has intensified relief and rescue operations across the worst-hit regions.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared images of NDRF personnel working alongside local authorities, writing on X: “NDRF personnel, in close coordination with local authorities, continue to undertake relief operations in Sri Lanka. Operation Sagar Bandhu.”

Sri Lanka continues to face relentless rain, flash floods, and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the death toll has climbed to 153, while 191 people remain missing, the Daily Mirror reported.

Indian Assistance on the Ground

On Saturday, India deployed two specialised NDRF teams to Sri Lanka. A total of 80 trained rescuers and four canines departed from Hindon Airbase aboard an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft. The contingent, led by Commandant P.K. Tiwary of the 8th Battalion, is equipped with:

• Inflatable rescue boats

• Hydraulic cutting and breaching tools

• Advanced communication systems

• Medical first-aid kits

• Essential humanitarian supplies

Their mission is to support large-scale evacuation and rescue efforts in cyclone-affected regions.

IAF Steps Up HADR Operations

The Indian Air Force has stationed Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo for rapid Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. Transport aircraft have been assigned for large-scale evacuation of Indian nationals, with multiple flights planned from Trivandrum and Hindan.

Relief materials including medical supplies and Bhishm cubes are also being flown in for devastated communities.

Officials said four Indian helicopters are actively conducting rescue missions nationwide, including two operating from INS Vikrant. The aircraft have carried out multiple sorties over the badly affected Pannala region, where several homes became inaccessible due to rising water levels.

Widespread Devastation in Sri Lanka

According to the latest DMC figures:

• 774,724 people from 217,263 families across 25 districts have been affected

• 100,898 people from 27,494 families are sheltering in 798 evacuation centres

Many regions remain submerged or cut off due to flooding, landslides, and continuous rain. Communication breakdowns have further hindered rescue and coordination efforts.

Sri Lanka’s telecom operators have been directed to prioritise emergency calls to ease congestion. Authorities expect weather conditions to begin improving from Sunday.

With inputs from IANS