Cyclone Ditwah
Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka on November 27, 2025, unleashing over 300 mm of rain that triggered deadly landslides, floods, and over 123 deaths across eastern and central regions like Badulla and Nuwara Eliya. Nearly 44,000 people were displaced, with 147,000 seeking shelter in schools and public buildings as homes vanished under mud and water.
India responded instantly with Operation Sagar Bandhu—"Friend of the Ocean"—a heartfelt Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission that delivered over 27 tonnes of aid, embodying the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. This wasn't cold logistics; it was neighbors pulling each other from despair, with Indian forces racing against time to save lives.
Image:@MoD
Key Relief Efforts at a Glance
Operation Sagar Bandhu showcased seamless coordination across air, sea, and ground. Here are the standout contributions:
- Airlifted Essentials: C-130J and IL-76 aircraft from Hindon Airbase delivered 12 tonnes of tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat meals to Colombo, providing immediate shelter and sustenance
- Naval Surge: INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri docked in Colombo with 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh food, and medical supplies, turning the harbor into a hub of hope.
- Helicopter Rescues: MI-17V5 and Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant conducted daring sorties, winching families from rooftops and floodwaters in Polonnaruwa and Kochchikade.
- Ground Rescue Power: Two NDRF teams—80 rescuers plus 4 sniffer dogs—arrived via IL-76 with inflatable boats, hydraulic cutters, and medical kits, boosting Sri Lanka's search-and-rescue in landslide zones.
Heroes in Action: Stories from the Frontlines
Imagine the roar of rotors as IAF MI-17V5 helicopters hovered over submerged villages, lowering harnesses to terrified families clutching infants. In one mission, Chetak choppers airlifted 13 people trapped on a Polonnaruwa bridge, their cheers echoing over the waters. NDRF warriors waded through chest-deep muck in Badulla, dogs leading them to buried survivors; one team carried an elderly woman miles to safety, her weak smile a victory amid the rain. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared visuals of a C-130J unloading aid, while PM Narendra Modi offered condolences and vowed more support. These efforts evacuated Indian nationals too, all by November 30 as floods lingered.
