Operation Sagar Bandhu: India Intensifies Relief and Rescue Efforts Across Sri Lanka

India is continuing its steadfast humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, with extensive search, rescue, medical, and logistical operations underway across several cyclone-affected regions, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said on Thursday.

NDRF teams are actively supporting recovery operations in the Gampaha region, focusing on urgent drinking water needs by cleaning wells and purifying water to help families regain access to safe supplies and restore normalcy.

The teams also carried out high-risk rescue efforts in Sedawatta and Nadeegama on Tuesday, operating in dangerous water conditions. With water levels rising to 8–10 feet and strong currents, the NDRF rescued 52 stranded people, ensuring the evacuation of vulnerable residents despite extremely hazardous conditions.

In Passara, Badulla, NDRF personnel are working through dense debris in flood-hit zones, continuing search and rescue missions in close coordination with the Sri Lankan armed forces to assist stranded civilians and deliver urgent relief.

As part of the ongoing relief mission, Indian Air Force aircraft IFC 1875 transported 1.9 tonnes of supplies from Colombo and 2.7 tonnes from Badulla to Kotmale, while also airlifting critical patients to Colombo for emergency medical care. Another aircraft, IFC 1885, delivered an additional 2 tonnes of relief material from Katunayake to Kotmale. More sorties are planned to maintain smooth delivery of essential aid. Helicopters also evacuated three critically ill individuals for urgent treatment.

Responding to Sri Lanka’s request, India airlifted a movable modular Bailey Bridge system to restore damaged connectivity in disaster-affected areas. Transported by an IAF C-17 Globemaster, the bridge can be installed within hours, ensuring rapid restoration of mobility for emergency services in landslide- and flood-hit regions. The same aircraft also delivered 500 water purification units requested by Sri Lankan authorities.

The mission additionally includes 22 expert personnel, including engineers to install the Bailey Bridge and a medical team to support field hospital operations.

With inputs from IANS