🇱🇰🇮🇳 ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’: India Rushes Massive Aid to Sri Lanka as Cyclone Ditwah Death Toll Climbs to 123

Colombo Declares ‘Unprecedented Disaster Situation’ Amid Floods and Landslides; IAF and Navy Deliver Emergency Relief

People wade through a flooded road after heavy rainfall in Kaduwela on the outskirts of Colombo on November 29, 2025.

Sri Lanka is reeling from one of its worst natural disasters in years as Cyclonic Storm Ditwah leaves a catastrophic trail of destruction. Torrential rainfall, severe flooding, and devastating landslides have claimed at least 123 lives, with over 130 people reported missing. In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, the Sri Lankan government has declared an “unprecedented disaster situation,” signaling the severity of the emergency. India, acting swiftly, has launched a comprehensive relief mission, making the prompt delivery of assistance a crucial factor in the Cyclone Ditwah India Relief efforts.

‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ Underway

India immediately activated ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ a major Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation to support its closest maritime neighbour. The scale of the Indian response underscores the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy:

• Naval Assets: The Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and warship INS Udaigiri, already docked in Colombo, delivered the first consignment of essential supplies, including dry rations, fresh food, and hygiene kits.
• Air Bridge: The Indian Air Force (IAF) set up an air bridge, deploying C-130J and IL-76 aircraft to Colombo. These flights delivered over 21 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, and blankets.
• Rescue Teams: Two specialized teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with rescue equipment, were air-lifted to assist Sri Lankan military and police forces in time-critical search and rescue operations.

Political Solidarity Amidst Crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences, stating that India stands in “solidarity” and is ready to “scale up aid as required.” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the rapid deployment via social media, highlighting the immediate priority given to Cyclone Ditwah India Relief and recovery efforts.

The vast majority of casualties in Sri Lanka resulted from landslides in the central hill regions, where rainfall exceeded 500mm in 24 hours in some areas. With transportation networks crippled and power supplies cut, the timely delivery of Indian aid is proving critical for tens of thousands of affected families seeking shelter in evacuation centers.

Ditwah Heads Towards India

While Sri Lanka begins the massive task of recovery, the Cyclonic Storm Ditwah continues to move. As of today, the cyclone is tracking north-northwestwards and is expected to reach the coasts of North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh by Sunday morning. India’s weather agencies have issued Red and Orange alerts, mobilizing NDRF and state disaster management teams to brace for the storm’s impact on the mainland.