India's Humanitarian Mission: Operation Sagar Bandhu Aids Sri Lanka Post-Cyclone

In response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying the National Disaster Response Force to assist in rescue efforts. The operation has successfully evacuated vulnerable individuals and provided essential aid to affected areas. With the death toll rising and over 1.5 million people impacted, India's naval forces are playing a crucial role in delivering humanitarian assistance. This article explores the ongoing efforts and the challenges faced by Sri Lanka in the wake of this natural disaster.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 15:50 IST

Operation Sagar Bandhu: A Lifeline for Sri Lanka

Colombo, Dec 3: A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has successfully evacuated a visually impaired elderly individual and an injured woman from Sedawatta and Nadeegama, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which resulted in heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides across Sri Lanka.

According to a statement released on X by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, "NDRF teams are actively engaged in life-saving operations under Operation Sagar Bandhu. They have safely evacuated a visually impaired senior citizen and an injured woman in Sedawatta and Nadeegama, providing on-site medical assistance as well."

Initiated on November 28, Operation Sagar Bandhu aims to deliver urgent search and rescue operations along with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka, which has been severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah, leading to significant flooding, loss of life, and widespread disruption.

As part of this operation, the Indian Naval Ships (INS) Vikrant and INS Udaygiri have provided immediate aid to the Sri Lankan populace. Helicopters from these ships have been deployed for aerial reconnaissance of the affected regions, enhancing search and rescue efforts.

"Following Cyclone Ditwah, INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri arrived in Colombo to deliver urgent relief supplies. Helicopters were utilized for aerial surveys of the impacted areas, significantly aiding ongoing search and rescue operations, which successfully rescued numerous Sri Lankan citizens," stated a spokesperson from the Indian Navy at the Naval Headquarters and DPR, Ministry of Defence, on X.

Additionally, INS Sukanya reached Trincomalee on December 1, 2025, carrying essential relief supplies for distribution to Sri Lankan authorities. These actions highlight the Indian Navy's commitment as the primary responder in the Indian Ocean region, aligning with India's MAHASAGAR vision and Neighbourhood First policy, demonstrating India's steadfast resolve to assist neighboring countries during crises.

Sri Lanka has been grappling with severe weather, flash floods, and landslides due to Cyclone Ditwah. Reports from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) indicate that the death toll has tragically reached 465. The Kandy district has reported the highest fatalities, with 118 lives lost. Currently, 366 individuals are still unaccounted for, primarily from the Matale district. Over 1.5 million people have been affected by the cyclone and the subsequent flooding, with 232,752 individuals from more than 61,000 families relocated to safety centers.

A special gazette has been issued, designating 22 districts severely impacted by Cyclone Ditwah as national disaster zones. This declaration follows the extensive damage caused by heavy rains, floods, and adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka.