Colombo, Dec 4 (NationPress) India is steadfast in its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka through Operation Sagar Bandhu, executing extensive search, rescue, medical, and logistical operations in various affected areas following Cyclone Ditwah, as reported by the Indian High Commission in Colombo on Thursday.

The Indian High Commission detailed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are actively engaged in recovery initiatives in the Gampaha region, focusing on urgent needs for drinking water by cleaning wells and purifying water to restore safe access for families.

Furthermore, the NDRF teams are conducting high-risk recovery and lifesaving operations in Sedawatta and Nadeegama, even under perilous water conditions. They successfully rescued 52 individuals stranded in the area, navigating water levels of 8–10 feet with strong currents to bring the most vulnerable to safety.

“In Passara, Badulla, the NDRF team is working through densely packed debris in flood-affected regions, with search and rescue operations ongoing. Collaborating closely with the Sri Lankan armed forces, NDRF teams are rescuing trapped civilians and providing critical relief to impacted communities,” the Indian High Commission noted.

As part of the continuous relief mission in Sri Lanka, the Indian Air Force aircraft IFC 1875 delivered 1.9 tonnes of supplies from Colombo and 2.7 tonnes from Badulla to Kotmale, while also airlifting critically ill patients to Colombo for urgent medical care. This was followed by IFC 1885, which transported another 2 tonnes of relief materials from Katunayake to Kotmale.

Additional flights are scheduled to ensure a steady flow of essential aid, coordinated with Sri Lankan authorities. The helicopters also evacuated three critically ill individuals to safe locations for immediate treatment.

In response to requests from the Sri Lankan Government, India airlifted a movable modular Bailey Bridge system to restore vital connectivity in disaster-stricken areas.

“This massive structure was airlifted by a C-17 Globemaster aircraft from the Indian Air Force and can be installed within hours to replace damaged bridges, greatly enhancing relief access and mobility for emergency services in landslide and flood-hit regions. The C-17 also delivered 500 water purification systems as requested by Sri Lankan authorities,” the Indian High Commission mentioned.

Additionally, the assistance included 22 personnel, comprising expert engineers for setting up the Bailey Bridge systems, along with a medical team of doctors to support the field hospital that had arrived from India earlier on Tuesday.