Colombo/New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) The Indian Air Force (IAF), in strategic collaboration with Sri Lankan officials, successfully conducted extensive rescue and evacuation operations in the landslide-stricken Kotmale area of the island nation, which has been rendered completely isolated due to severe road damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Throughout the day, IAF helicopters managed to airlift 45 individuals who were stranded, including 6 critically injured individuals and 4 infants, transporting them safely to Colombo.

Among those rescued were 12 Indian nationals along with a significant number of foreign nationals from various countries, in addition to Sri Lankan citizens.

To bolster on-ground relief efforts, the IAF airlifted 57 personnel of the Sri Lankan Army to the affected region to assist in ongoing rescue and clearance operations.

The IAF also deployed the Bhishm capsule and a medical team while successfully airlifting over 400 Indians back to India by 8 p.m., with additional sorties planned.

Earlier, the IAF reported that it executed a hybrid rescue mission under Operation Sagar Bandhu to recover stranded passengers from a restricted area in Sri Lanka, as the island continues to grapple with severe weather conditions due to the cyclone.

In a statement on X, the IAF mentioned that a Garud commando was winched down to guide the group to a helipad at Kotmale, from where 24 passengers were evacuated to Colombo.

"IAF helicopters performed a hybrid rescue mission to extract stranded passengers from a designated zone. A Garud commando was winched down to guide the group through rugged terrain to a pre-briefed helipad at Kotmale, from where 24 passengers, including Indians, foreign nationals, and Sri Lankans, were successfully evacuated to Colombo," stated the Indian Air Force - Media Coordination Centre on X.

"Simultaneously, three critically injured individuals were airlifted to Colombo for urgent medical care. Earlier, five teams of Sri Lankan Army personnel (40 troops) were flown from Diyathalawa Army Camp to the landslide-affected Kotmale region to aid in relief operations," it further added.

In response to the IAF's announcement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented: "Operation Sagar Bandhu".

Earlier in the day, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka reported that: "A family of four trapped on a rooftop was rescued by a Chetak helicopter from INS Vikrant on November 29, 2025. They were successfully airlifted to a safe location. Operation Sagar Bandhu continues as India extends its support to the people of Sri Lanka."

In the meantime, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have intensified their relief operations in Sri Lanka.

Sharing images of the ongoing relief efforts by NDRF personnel on X, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated: "NDRF personnel, in close collaboration with local authorities, are continuously executing relief operations in Sri Lanka. Operation Sagar Bandhu."

Sri Lanka has been facing relentless rainfall, flash floods, and landslides as a consequence of Cyclone Ditwah and the resulting weather conditions. Reports indicate that 153 individuals have lost their lives, and at least 191 individuals remain missing due to the severe weather, as rescue operations continue to escalate, as per the Sri Lankan news outlet Daily Mirror, citing the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The Police Headquarters in Sri Lanka has urged citizens to avoid damaged roads, bridges, and precarious areas affected by the recent severe weather, noting that a large number of individuals have been congregating in these locations. The Road Development Authority (RDA) has commenced rapid restoration efforts on all affected roads and bridges. However, the police have cautioned that individuals visiting these unstable areas pose significant safety risks.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has established a specialized Disaster Management Coordination Centre to enhance medical assistance and relief efforts for those affected by the severe weather in Sri Lanka, as reported by Daily Mirror. The GMOA confirmed that the special hotline set up earlier to assist those impacted by the disaster remains operational.