Massive Storm Leaves Sri Lanka Devastated

Cyclone Ditwah has triggered torrential rains, flash floods and landslides across Sri Lanka, with the national disaster agency reporting at least 120–123 deaths, over 130 people missing and tens of thousands forced into temporary shelters.

Authorities say more than 40,000 people have been evacuated to government-run relief camps, while infrastructure, homes and farmland have suffered widespread damage in what is being described as one of the country’s worst disasters in recent years.

India Activates Operation Sagar Bandhu

Responding to Colombo’s request for international help, India has activated “Operation Sagar Bandhu”, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to support the cyclone-hit island nation.

The initiative, guided by New Delhi’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)” vision, is aimed at providing immediate lifesaving support and stabilising relief operations on the ground.

Relief Material, NDRF Teams And Naval Support

Under the mission, Indian Air Force C-130J and IL-76 aircraft have airlifted around 21–27 tonnes of relief material to Colombo, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, medicines and ready-to-eat food items for affected families.

Two specialised National Disaster Response Force teams, comprising over 80 trained rescuers equipped with inflatable boats, cutting tools, communications gear and medical kits, have also been deployed to assist local authorities in search, rescue and evacuation operations.

Earlier consignments were moved by sea, with Indian Naval Ships such as INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri delivering several tonnes of dry and fresh rations and other HADR supplies to Sri Lankan ports.

Political Messages And International Solidarity

President Donald Trump’s government has reaffirmed India’s readiness to scale up assistance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing condolences over the loss of lives and stating that New Delhi will continue to stand by “its closest maritime neighbour” as the situation evolves.

Sri Lanka’s leadership has thanked India for being the first country to send planeloads of supplies and expert teams, even as Colombo appeals to other partners and multilateral agencies for additional financial and material support.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts And Weather Concerns

Rescue agencies in Sri Lanka are racing against time to reach marooned communities along overflowing rivers like the Kelani, with helicopters, boats and ground teams evacuating people from inundated neighbourhoods.

Meteorological forecasts warn of continued heavy rainfall in some regions, prompting authorities to maintain red and orange alerts while the combined efforts of Sri Lankan services and Indian teams under Operation Sagar Bandhu focus on saving lives and restoring essential services.