Colombo, Nov 29 (NationPress) The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has dispatched two specialized rescue teams to Sri Lanka as part of 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to provide relief and rescue support in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah. These teams, consisting of 80 trained rescuers and four canines, took off at 4:06 a.m. from the Hindon Airbase aboard an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft. The contingent is under the leadership of Commandant P.K. Tiwary from the 8th Battalion. Additionally, an Indian Air Force C-130 J aircraft arrived in Colombo carrying approximately 12 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, which include tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items.

As stated in an official release from NDRF Headquarters, the teams are outfitted with inflatable rescue boats, hydraulic cutting and breaching tools, advanced communication systems, medical first-aid kits, and other vital humanitarian supplies to facilitate large-scale evacuation and rescue efforts in cyclone-impacted regions of Sri Lanka.

In tandem, the NDRF has bolstered its domestic readiness for Cyclone Ditwah with 14 teams stationed throughout vulnerable coastal districts in Tamil Nadu, such as Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and Mayiladuthurai. Additional teams are being dispatched to Puducherry, while 10 more are en route from Pune and Vadodara to Chennai.

The NDRF maintains a 24/7 monitoring operation in collaboration with the IMD, NDMA, state governments, the Ministry of External Affairs, and other essential agencies.

Continuing with India's humanitarian efforts under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu', an Indian Air Force plane carrying approximately 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, touched down in Colombo on Saturday following Cyclone Ditwah.

In a social media update, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar remarked, “Operation Sagar Bandhu is unfolding. The Indian Air Force C-130 J aircraft has delivered around 12 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, encompassing tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, to Colombo.”

On Friday, under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu', India provided urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies to Sri Lanka in response to Cyclone Ditwah, which resulted in fatalities and affected thousands.

The Indian High Commission reported that India has sent 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other critical relief items via the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to aid impacted families.

“Operation Sagar Bandhu is actively delivering urgent HADR support to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. India extends essential HADR assistance to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. India has provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other vital relief items from INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to support affected families. In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy,” the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka posted on X.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka and declared that India has dispatched relief supplies and HADR support under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu'.

“I express my heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort, and swift recovery of all affected families. In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently sent relief materials and critical HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu,” PM Modi stated in a post on X.

“We are prepared to provide additional aid and assistance as the situation evolves. Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India remains steadfast in its support for Sri Lanka during this challenging time,” he added.

The cyclonic storm Ditwah is intensifying over the southwest Bay of Bengal, continuing its northward movement at a speed of eight kilometers per hour during the past six hours, and was located about 430 kilometers south of Chennai at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday.

As the system progressed, Chennai and neighboring districts experienced widespread rainfall, with moderate showers reported across various parts of the city and overcast skies persisting since early morning.