India Steps Up Rescue Efforts In Sri Lanka Under Op Sagar Bandhu Amid Cyclone Ditwah Crisis

As Cyclone Ditwah continued to advance towards the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coasts on Saturday, the Indian rescue officials also intensified operations in affected areas of Sri Lanka. The island nation is battling severe flooding, landslides, and harsh weather triggered by the cyclone.

Indian teams are working with the Sri Lanka Air Force, Navy, Army, Police, and local first responders under Operation Sagar Bandhu. They aim to support communities reeling under the wrath of adverse weather conditions.

The Indian Air Force has deployed Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo for quick Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. IAF transport aircraft have also been arranged for the large-scale evacuation of Indian nationals,

with multiple flights planned from Trivandrum and Hindan.

Along with evacuation efforts, essential aid — including Bhishm cubes and medical supplies — is being flown in to assist affected regions.

“The IAF remains steadfast in safeguarding lives and extending timely assistance to our neighbours in need,” the officials said in a statement.

A family of four trapped on a flooded rooftop in Sri Lanka was rescued by a Chetak helicopter deployed from INS Vikrant on November 29, 2025. The Indian team safely airlifted the family and moved them to a secure location, according to a post shared by the Indian Commission in Sri Lanka.

A family of four stranded on a rooftop was rescued by a Chetak helicopter from @IN_R11Vikrant on 29 November 2025. They were safely airlifted and brought to a secure location. #OperationSagarBandhu continues as 🇮🇳 stands with the people of 🇱🇰.@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy… pic.twitter.com/AMLCqzbSIW

— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) November 30, 2025

Indian Navy Rescues Stranded Residents

The Indian Navy helicopters rescued as many as eight locals trapped in Pannala, one of the hard-hit zones. Officials confirmed that four Indian helicopters are currently engaged in missions across the country, including two operating from INS Vikrant.

The people who were rescued were shifted to safe locations and handed over to local authorities.

Heavy Loss In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has suffered heavy losses due to Cyclone Ditwah. According to the Daily Mirror and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the death toll has climbed to 153, while 191 people remain missing.

The disaster has affected 774,724 individuals from 217,263 families across 25 districts, with flooding and landslides still posing serious risks.

(With inputs from IANS)