As Sri Lanka grapples with severe flooding and landslides caused by cyclonic storm Ditwah, India has stepped in to assist its neighbor with emergency relief operations. The indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, one of India’s most advanced naval assets, has been formally deployed to aid Sri Lankan authorities in rescue and relief efforts. This marks a significant example of regional cooperation in times of natural disasters, demonstrating India’s commitment to providing timely assistance to nations in crisis.

INS Vikrant, which recently docked in Colombo from November 25 to 26 as part of port visits ahead of the International Fleet Review scheduled for November 30, will now pivot from ceremonial duties to humanitarian operations. Officials from the Sri Lankan Navy confirmed that the aircraft carrier’s deployment was requested to utilize its aircraft and onboard capabilities for ongoing rescue missions in flood-affected areas, particularly in the eastern Trincomalee region, which has been among the worst hit by the storm.

The cyclonic storm Ditwah has brought unprecedented rainfall, leading to widespread inundation, landslides, and disruptions to daily life across multiple districts in Sri Lanka. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the death toll has risen to 56, with 21 individuals still reported missing. The government has declared a public holiday on Friday, exempting only those involved in essential services, to allow citizens to manage safety and recovery measures. The DMC further reported that nearly 44,000 people, spanning over 12,000 families, have been directly affected by the floods and landslides, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

The severity of the flooding has prompted emergency warnings for residents in vulnerable areas, particularly in northern Colombo near the Kelani River. The irrigation department issued urgent advisories, alerting residents to the likelihood of the Kelani River surpassing flood levels recorded during the 2016 disaster, one of the worst in recent memory. Director General of Irrigation Ajith Gunasekara urged citizens living in low-lying areas to relocate immediately and to carry essential items, including educational certificates, vehicle documents, and other valuables, to ensure their safety during the evacuation.

The meteorological data reflects the intensity of the disaster. The central Matale district recorded the highest rainfall in a 24-hour period ending at 6 a.m. on Thursday, with 540 millimeters of precipitation. Such extreme weather patterns have compounded the challenges for local authorities, who are attempting to manage large-scale evacuations, provide food and shelter to displaced populations, and restore basic infrastructure damaged by the floods.

Against this backdrop, the deployment of INS Vikrant provides a significant boost to the relief efforts. As India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant is equipped with advanced aviation facilities, including helicopters and other aircraft capable of carrying out search-and-rescue operations, aerial surveys, and the transport of essential supplies to affected regions. The ship’s medical and logistical capabilities can also support emergency operations, providing immediate relief to communities cut off by floods or landslides.

The move also underscores the strategic and humanitarian role that India plays in the Indian Ocean region. By responding promptly to Sri Lanka’s request, India demonstrates both military capability and diplomatic goodwill, reinforcing regional stability in times of crisis. Naval sources highlighted that the coordination between the Sri Lankan Navy and the Indian Navy will be crucial in ensuring that rescue operations are conducted efficiently and reach the most severely affected areas without delay.

In addition to the operational deployment, local authorities in Sri Lanka have activated contingency measures to mitigate the impact of the floods. Evacuations are underway in flood-prone zones, and temporary relief shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced residents. The government’s declaration of a public holiday reflects the gravity of the situation, allowing citizens to focus on safety and preparedness. Officials have stressed the importance of securing critical documents and valuables before relocating, recognizing that property and essential paperwork can be irretrievably lost during severe flooding.

The human impact of the disaster is significant. Families in affected districts have lost homes, belongings, and in some cases, loved ones. Roads and communication networks have been disrupted, making it challenging for relief agencies to reach isolated communities. The deployment of INS Vikrant, with its ability to provide aerial reconnaissance and transport, is expected to significantly enhance the speed and reach of rescue operations, ensuring that stranded residents receive immediate assistance.

Experts have pointed out that the 540 mm rainfall recorded in Matale within 24 hours is an alarming indicator of climate change-induced weather extremes in the region. Such intense precipitation events not only cause immediate flooding but also increase the likelihood of landslides in hilly and deforested areas, further complicating rescue operations. Authorities have highlighted that emergency response must be swift and coordinated to prevent additional casualties and minimize disruption to communities.

The situation in Trincomalee and other severely affected areas continues to evolve. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate residents from low-lying and flood-prone zones. Medical teams are on high alert to treat injuries and prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, which often follow large-scale flooding. With the Indian Navy’s support, these efforts are expected to gain momentum, providing much-needed relief to thousands of affected families.

The deployment of INS Vikrant also illustrates the versatility of modern naval platforms in humanitarian operations. While the ship is primarily designed for national defense and maritime security, its aviation capabilities, onboard medical facilities, and capacity to carry supplies make it an invaluable asset in disaster relief missions. The coordination between the Indian Navy and Sri Lankan authorities will likely involve helicopter sorties for search-and-rescue, delivery of essential goods, and aerial assessments of flood-affected regions to prioritize emergency interventions.

As the relief operations continue, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly in areas along the Kelani River, which is expected to witness record water levels. The central and eastern regions, including Matale, Trincomalee, and surrounding districts, have been identified as high-risk zones. Local administration, supported by military and naval assets, is working around the clock to ensure safety, restore infrastructure, and provide relief to those affected by the disaster.

In conclusion, the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka has prompted a robust regional response, with India deploying its indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant to assist in critical rescue and relief operations. The collaboration between Sri Lankan authorities and the Indian Navy exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in times of natural disasters. With thousands displaced, lives lost, and property damaged, the timely deployment of naval resources, along with ground-based relief efforts, will play a decisive role in mitigating the impact of this extreme weather event. The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor rainfall, river levels, and the safety of residents, while the deployment of INS Vikrant provides both logistical support and a symbol of solidarity between the two neighboring countries in the face of unprecedented flooding.