India evacuates 750 nationals, strengthens cyclone ’Ditwah’ relief in Sri Lanka

India has evacuated around 750 Indian nationals stranded in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, as part of ongoing efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Evacuations continue via commercial airlines and Indian Air Force flights, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

Alongside the evacuations, India has intensified search, rescue, and relief operations to assist families affected by severe flooding and landslides. Yesterday (29), Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant airlifted stranded people to safe locations, while today (30), Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters conducted rescue operations near the inaccessible Kotmale area, saving pregnant women, infants, critically injured individuals, and citizens from multiple countries. The helicopters also transported casualties to Colombo and moved Sri Lankan Army personnel to landslide-hit areas.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, India’s specialized disaster response agency, arrived in Colombo yesterday and have been carrying out rescue operations in Kochikade. They are now working in severely impacted areas of Puttalam and Badulla, assisting affected families and ensuring their immediate safety.

India, as a first responder, has reaffirmed its commitment to continue humanitarian support and relief operations in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.