India Extends Lifeline to Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka: A Closer Look at the Humanitarian Efforts
Support for Sri Lanka Amidst Crisis
Colombo: On Saturday, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha engaged with Sri Lankan business leaders to reaffirm India's unwavering support for the nation, which has been severely impacted by a cyclone that has resulted in over 600 fatalities.
During his discussions with representatives from the 'Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund', Jha addressed the ongoing challenges faced by the country, including extensive flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The disaster has led to the isolation of numerous districts and has severely tested the nation’s disaster management capabilities.
Jha's meeting aimed to outline strategies for rehabilitation and recovery, as noted in a post by the Indian High Commission on X.
He also provided insights into India's ongoing commitment to assist Sri Lanka in overcoming this crisis.
India was the first nation to respond to Sri Lanka's international call for help through Operation Sagar Bandhu.
The humanitarian aid has been delivered via land and air, focusing on both immediate relief and long-term medical support, as stated by the Indian mission in a press release.
Since the initiation of Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, India has dispatched over 58 tonnes of relief supplies, including dry food, tents, hygiene kits, water purification systems, and approximately 4.5 tonnes of medical supplies.
Additionally, 50 tonnes of equipment such as generators and inflatable rescue boats have been sent, along with 130 tonnes of Bailey Bridge units and 31 engineers to help restore vital connectivity.
Two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), consisting of 80 specialists and K9 units, have conducted rescue operations, successfully evacuating around 150 individuals.
A fully equipped field hospital staffed by 78 Indian medical personnel is currently providing critical care in Mahiyanganaya, near Kandy. Medical facilities have also been established in the severely affected areas of Ja-Ela and Negombo.
Indian naval vessels INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, and INS Sukanya have been instrumental in delivering immediate rescue and relief efforts. Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and two heavy-lift MI-17 helicopters from the Indian Air Force are actively engaged in evacuations and transporting relief supplies.
Furthermore, approximately 2,500 stranded Indian nationals have been evacuated from Sri Lanka, with over 400 being airlifted by IAF aircraft.
The NDRF teams, which returned home on Friday, collaborated closely with Sri Lankan officials to carry out extensive search, rescue, and relief operations.
They evacuated around 150 individuals, assisted vulnerable populations including pregnant women and those with disabilities, recovered deceased individuals, distributed food packets, and ensured safe water access by decontaminating wells.
Indian Air Force helicopters continue to play a crucial role in aerial operations, safely transporting affected individuals from Kotmale to Katunayake for further medical assistance.
On Friday, MI-17 helicopters evacuated seven survivors and transported 9.5 tonnes of relief supplies, coordinated with Sri Lankan authorities.