India Steps Up Cyclone Relief in Sri Lanka Under Operation Sagar Bandhu
Over 450 rescued as India deploys helicopters, field hospital and bridge systems after Cyclone Ditwah
New Delhi, Dec 10 : India has scaled up humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, delivering life saving aid, essential relief supplies and early-recovery support across cyclone-hit regions, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday.
The MEA said India’s response, guided by the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), reflects New Delhi’s commitment to stand with Sri Lanka during times of crisis, in close coordination with Sri Lankan authorities.
According to the ministry, India has rapidly dispatched emergency relief material by air and sea, deployed specialised search and rescue units, medical and engineering teams, including BHISHM Cubes and Bailey bridge systems, and established an Indian Army Field Hospital to support relief efforts.
An additional Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday to assist the Sri Lanka Air Force in rescue operations in inaccessible cyclone-affected areas. The Indian High Commission in Colombo said the helicopter would continue relief sorties following the departure of two IAF MI-17 helicopters that had earlier carried out extensive rescue missions.
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28 as the first responder in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah to provide urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka.
The MEA said India was the first country to deploy trained disaster responders, with specialised teams reaching Sri Lanka within 24 hours of the cyclone, a critical window for search and rescue. So far, over 450 people have been rescued and assisted.
The Indian Army Field Hospital, set up at Mahiyanganaya in Badulla district, has treated 3,388 patients as of December 8, including conducting surgical procedures, and continues to remain operational.
To restore connectivity in landslide- and flood-affected areas, four modular Bailey Bridge systems, along with Indian Army engineering teams, were airlifted to Sri Lanka between December 3 and 9 by four IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The bridges are expected to significantly improve access for relief delivery and recovery operations.
“Operation Sagar Bandhu stands as a testament to the deep emotional bonds between the peoples and the trusted partnership between the governments of India and Sri Lanka,” the MEA said, reaffirming India’s commitment to continue supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
