How is Operation Sagar Bandhu Providing Relief to Trincomalee?
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Synopsis
Discover how the Indian High Commission’s relief effort under Operation Sagar Bandhu is making a difference in Trincomalee amidst the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. This initiative showcases international solidarity during times of crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Sagar Bandhu provides vital support to Sri Lanka in crisis.
- Relief supplies include essential items such as food and clothing.
- The Indian Air Force conducted successful rescue operations.
- Over 150 lives have been lost due to Cyclone Ditwah.
- International solidarity is crucial during humanitarian disasters.
Colombo, Nov 30 (NationPress) A significant shipment of relief supplies, coordinated by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, was delivered to the Chief Secretary of the Eastern Province and Trincomalee District Administration. This initiative comes as the country grapples with severe weather effects caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The relief supplies, part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, included essential items such as food rations, clothing, and fuel, and were handed over at Lanka IOC Trincomalee. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka shared on social media that, "Operation Sagar Bandhu reaches Trincomalee with a batch of relief assistance, comprising essential supplies, dry rations, clothes, and fuel, delivered to the Chief Secretary of the Eastern Province and Trincomalee District Administration."
These contributions reflect the solidarity of the Indian community in Colombo, which has rallied to support the people of Sri Lanka during this challenging time as the Eastern Province continues to endure the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah.
In response to the disaster, India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu to aid Sri Lanka following the losses incurred from Cyclone Ditwah, which has resulted in widespread flooding and landslides.
Earlier today, the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed search and rescue operations near Kotmale, successfully rescuing 24 individuals stranded in the area, including nationals from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, the UK, Slovenia, and South Africa.
The Indian High Commission detailed that "Operation Sagar Bandhu saves lives and provides crucial support. IAF helicopters carried out search and rescue missions today near Kotmale, rescuing 24 stranded individuals, and airlifting three critically injured patients to Colombo. Earlier, they also evacuated Sri Lankan Army personnel from landslide-affected areas," they posted on social media.
Details of the rescue operation reveal that a Garud commando was deployed to assist the group in reaching a helipad at Kotmale, enabling the evacuation of 24 individuals to Colombo.
The IAF's communications stated that "IAF helicopters performed a hybrid rescue mission, extracting stranded passengers from a restricted area. A Garud commando was winched down to guide the group through a cross-country route to a designated helipad at Kotmale, successfully evacuating 24 individuals, including Indians and foreign nationals, to Colombo."
In a concurrent operation, three critically injured individuals were also airlifted to Colombo for urgent medical care. Additionally, five teams consisting of Sri Lankan Army personnel (40 troops) were airlifted from Diyathalawa Army Camp to provide support in the landslide-affected areas.
Sri Lanka continues to experience unrelenting rains, flash floods, and landslides as a result of Cyclone Ditwah and its aftermath. Tragically, reports indicate that 153 individuals have lost their lives, while at least 191 remain unaccounted for due to the severe weather, as noted by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and reported by the Daily Mirror.
Point of View
It is imperative to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah. The swift response from the Indian High Commission through Operation Sagar Bandhu not only reflects the deep ties of friendship between the two nations but also highlights the urgent need for international solidarity in times of disaster.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Operation Sagar Bandhu?
Operation Sagar Bandhu is a humanitarian initiative launched by India to provide relief assistance to Sri Lanka in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
What kind of supplies are included in the relief assistance?
The relief assistance includes essential supplies such as dry rations, clothing, and fuel to support those affected by the cyclone.
How many people were rescued by the Indian Air Force?
The Indian Air Force rescued 24 individuals stranded near Kotmale, including citizens from various countries.
How has Cyclone Ditwah affected Sri Lanka?
Cyclone Ditwah has caused severe weather conditions, leading to flooding and landslides, resulting in numerous casualties and missing persons.
Who is involved in the relief efforts?
The relief efforts involve the Indian High Commission, the Indian Air Force, and contributions from the Indian community in Colombo.
