Cyclone Dittawaha floods and relief operations in Sri Lanka

The situation in Sri Lanka has become extremely dire due to Cyclone Dittawah. Heavy rainfall, floods and landslides have affected millions of citizens. In this difficult time, India has initiated extensive relief and rescue activities by sending immediate assistance on humanitarian grounds.

Crisis caused by cyclone Dittavah

Cyclone Dittawah has caused terrible devastation in Sri Lanka. Due to continuous rains, situation of floods and landslides has arisen in many districts. So far, more than 330 people have lost their lives in this disaster and hundreds are missing. About 11 lakh people have been affected by this crisis. The government has declared a state of emergency in various areas, and local administration is engaged in rescue operations.

India’s relief operation

As soon as information about the disaster was received, India provided immediate assistance under Operation ‘Sagar Bandhu’. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Air Force, Navy and the Indian High Commission in Colombo are engaged in relief operations. NDRF teams have played a vital role in evacuating stranded families from submerged areas of Colombo. The Air Force carried out many risky rescue operations, in which commandos were landed on difficult slopes and tourists and local civilians were evacuated to safety.

Indian Air Force and Navy assistance

Two helicopters are continuously engaged in rescue operations in INS Vikrant. During one mission a family of four was airlifted from a rooftop. The Indian Air Force has deployed Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo, which are making immediate sorties to reach the stranded people. C-130J and IL-76 aircraft have arrived in Sri Lanka carrying more than 21 tonnes of relief material. Indian Navy ship INS Sukenya has also left with aid material.

Security and supply of aid to Indian citizens

India has safely evacuated more than 320 Indian citizens stranded in Sri Lanka. Apart from this, food, medicines, fuel and other essential materials are being distributed. Many objects have been donated by the Indian community living in Colombo. This relief material is being delivered to those areas where road connectivity has been cut and people are stranded in their homes for several days.

Sanath Jayasuriya’s message and bilateral relations

Former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya wrote on social media that India’s support at the time of crisis is a big relief for the people of Sri Lanka. He also said that like at the time of economic crisis, India has shown friendship in this disaster also. His message shows that relations between the two countries are not just diplomatic but based on deep human feelings.