New Delhi/Colombo, Dec 2 (NationPress) As part of the ongoing ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’, the Indian Army has announced the deployment of an Integrated Task Force on Tuesday. This high-readiness, self-sufficient composite Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) unit from the Shatrujeet Brigade aims to provide vital support, restore essential services, and aid families in Sri Lanka affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

According to a post by the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) on X, "This mission reflects our civilizational commitment to 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - The World is One Family.' The Indian Army stands unwaveringly with Sri Lanka during this challenging time."

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has confirmed that two rapidly deployable Field Hospitals are on their way to Sri Lanka by Tuesday evening, as they are urgently needed. Additionally, a team of 70 personnel is being dispatched to deliver healthcare support in disaster-stricken areas.

Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, which commenced on November 28, the Indian Army has mobilized a specialized team to assist Sri Lanka in urgent search and rescue operations as well as HADR support following severe flooding, loss of life, and widespread disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

India's commitment to assist the Sri Lankan people during this crisis is underscored by the deployment of a contingent that includes dedicated medical, engineering, and signals components, all equipped to provide immediate and ongoing relief.

The medical team features Advanced Dressing Stations (ADS) and Mobile Surgical Teams (MST), which include an operating theatre capable of conducting both major and minor surgeries. This team can accommodate 20–30 patients simultaneously. The engineering units are focused on restoring essential services and infrastructure, while the signals detachment ensures uninterrupted communication for the relief operations.

As of Tuesday, local media reports indicate that the death toll from the severe weather induced by Cyclone Ditwah has tragically reached 410, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The latest updates reveal that 1.4 million people from 407,594 families have been affected, with ongoing floods, landslides, and adverse weather conditions wreaking havoc across the island.

India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, monitored the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) operations at Sedawatta near Colombo on Tuesday. "High Commissioner Santosh Jha reviewed the NDRF operations at Sedawatta. NDRF teams are performing door-to-door evacuations and distributing essential relief to the inundated areas around Nadeegama, along the banks of the Kelani River. HC also interacted with local residents in the area, where water levels are recorded at 6 to 8 feet," the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka shared on X.

On Monday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a phone conversation with the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, extending his condolences for the lives lost and the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. He also reaffirmed India's ongoing support through Operation Sagar Bandhu.

During the call, PM Modi expressed that the people of India stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka in this challenging moment, to which President Dissanayake conveyed his profound gratitude for India's prompt and effective assistance.

"President Dissanayake expressed his deep appreciation for the assistance provided by India in the aftermath of the disaster and acknowledged the swift deployment of rescue teams and relief supplies. He also shared the gratitude of the Sri Lankan people for India's timely response efforts," stated a release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Expressing his heartfelt condolences for the loss of life and devastation in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah, PM Modi assured continued support under Operation Sagar Bandhu, in alignment with Vision MAHASAGAR as a 'First Responder'.

"The Prime Minister assured President Dissanayake of India's ongoing support to Sri Lanka through Operation Sagar Bandhu, aimed at providing rescue and relief to affected individuals. He reiterated that India, aligned with its Vision MAHASAGAR and its role as the 'First Responder', will continue to offer all necessary assistance in the days ahead as Sri Lanka embarks on rehabilitation, resumes public services, and strives to restore livelihoods in the affected regions," the statement added.

The two leaders also agreed to maintain consistent communication.