New Delhi/Colombo, Dec 1 (NationPress) In a significant telephone dialogue on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, over the tragic loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to provide aid through the ongoing 'Operation Sagar Bandhu'.

During this call, PM Modi emphasized that the people of India stand in robust solidarity with their Sri Lankan counterparts during this critical time. President Dissanayake conveyed his profound appreciation for India’s prompt and effective assistance.

“The President expressed his sincere gratitude for the support received from India in the aftermath of the disaster, praising the quick mobilization of rescue teams and relief provisions. He also acknowledged the Sri Lankan populace’s appreciation for India’s timely response efforts,” stated the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

In light of the significant humanitarian crisis, PM Modi reiterated India’s ongoing support under Operation Sagar Bandhu, aligned with Vision MAHASAGAR and its role as the 'First Responder'.

“The Prime Minister assured President Dissanayake of India’s ongoing assistance to Sri Lanka through Operation Sagar Bandhu, focusing on rescue and relief for affected individuals. He guaranteed that India, adhering to its Vision MAHASAGAR and its established role as the 'First Responder', will continue to offer all necessary support in the coming days, as Sri Lanka undertakes rehabilitation and aims to restore public services and livelihoods in affected regions,” the statement elaborated.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close communication.

In strong solidarity with the Sri Lankan government and people following the extensive destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, India has already provided a total of 53 tonnes of relief supplies while also repatriating over 2000 stranded Indians from the island.

India initiated 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' on November 28 to offer urgent search and rescue as well as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to its closest maritime neighbor in response to Cyclone Ditwah, which has led to severe flooding, loss of life, and widespread chaos throughout Sri Lanka.

According to an update from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian government promptly delivered 9.5 tonnes of emergency rations via two Indian Navy ships in Colombo, and deployed three Indian Air Force aircraft to airlift an additional 31.5 tonnes of relief supplies, which included tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat meals, medicines, and surgical gear. They also dispatched two BHISHM cubes along with a five-member medical team for on-site training, and 80 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to support rescue operations.

Moreover, New Delhi sent 12 tonnes of additional relief supplies on board the Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sukanya, totaling 53 tonnes of aid delivered by Monday evening.

“Working closely with the Sri Lankan Air Force, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters from the Indian Air Force carried out extensive rescue operations, airlifting individuals including pregnant women, infants, and critically injured persons. Rescued individuals included nationals from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh,” the MEA statement confirmed.

The NDRF teams continue their search-and-rescue missions across various severely impacted and isolated areas of Sri Lanka, assisting flood-affected families and ensuring their immediate safety. To date, over 150 individuals have been rescued and supported through these ongoing operations, as stated by the MEA.

Simultaneously, evacuations of Indian nationals stranded due to Cyclone Ditwah have been carried out via special Indian Air Force flights and commercial flights, successfully bringing back over 2000 stranded Indians.

“Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India remains the First Responder, standing firm in solidarity with the Sri Lankan government and people during this crisis, and is committed to aiding the ongoing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts,” emphasized the MEA.

As MI-17 helicopters continued rescue operations, retrieving individuals from inaccessible regions and delivering essential supplies to communities cut off by the cyclone, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sukanya also arrived in Trincomalee with additional relief provisions, further enhancing the relief initiatives.

The Indian Air Force’s 1875 helicopter successfully evacuated 57 stranded individuals, including 10 children, from Irunguwatta to Matale, while also delivering 2.5 tonnes of rations to Keagalle on Monday.

Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, INS Sukanya delivered another 12 tonnes of essential relief supplies to Trincomalee, aiding ongoing rescue and relief efforts. The materials were transferred to local authorities for immediate distribution.

Meanwhile, Indian rescue teams are collaborating with the Sri Lankan air force, navy, army, police, and local first responders to assist communities affected by the floods. Efforts for evacuations, supply distributions, and emergency support are actively underway across the island.