India's Humanitarian Mission: Mobile Hospital Deployed to Flood-Stricken Sri Lanka

In a significant humanitarian effort, India has dispatched a mobile field hospital and over 70 medical personnel to Sri Lanka, which is grappling with severe flooding and landslides due to Cyclone Ditwah. With a rising death toll and many missing, India's swift response aims to provide essential healthcare and support to the affected regions. The operation, named 'Operation Sagar Bandhu', underscores India's commitment to assist its neighbor in times of crisis, as rescue teams continue their efforts to save lives amidst challenging conditions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 12:22 IST

Humanitarian Aid Amidst Catastrophe

Colombo: In response to the severe flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, India has dispatched a mobile field hospital along with over 70 medical professionals to Sri Lanka, as confirmed by the Indian mission on Wednesday.

The nation is currently facing extensive flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage, which has left numerous districts cut off and severely challenged the country's disaster response capabilities.

As of Tuesday, the death toll has reached 465, with 366 individuals reported missing due to the catastrophic weather events that began on November 16.

The Indian High Commission shared on social media that a "rapidly deployable field hospital" has been sent to provide essential healthcare services in the affected regions.

According to a post from PRO Defence Jammu, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster transported the field hospital and 73 medical personnel from Agra, landing in Colombo on Tuesday evening to support ongoing relief efforts.

Additionally, IAF Mi-17 helicopters have been actively airlifting over eight tonnes of relief supplies and have rescued 65 individuals, including critically ill patients and a pregnant woman.

Indian rescue teams are also engaged in operations across various locations, as stated by the mission.

In Badulla on Tuesday, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) successfully recovered another body in a challenging operation, with remains found beneath layers of debris.

Search operations are ongoing with a focus on determination and compassion.

NDRF teams stationed in the Sedawatta and Nadeegama areas near Colombo have rescued over 43 individuals and are continuing to assist those trapped in floodwaters that reach depths of 8 to 10 feet, as reported by the High Commission on social media.

Under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu', Indian teams are prioritizing the evacuation of the most vulnerable individuals to ensure their safety.

This initiative, launched last month, aims to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.