In the wake of the devastating Cyclone Ditwah that has battered Sri Lanka, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified its humanitarian assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying additional aircraft and helicopters to aid relief and evacuation efforts.

Deployment of C-130J and Mi-17 Helicopters

On Sunday, the IAF sent another C-130J transport aircraft carrying essential equipment for a National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) team to Colombo. This aircraft is also designated to facilitate the evacuation of stranded Indian citizensfrom affected areas. Simultaneously, Mi-17 V5 helicopters have been stationed in Colombo to ensure rapid Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, according to an official update.

The IAF emphasized that these transport assets are prepared for large-scale evacuation missions, operating from bases at Trivandrum, Kerala, and Hindan, Uttar Pradesh. Alongside evacuations, the missions also include the airlifting of essential relief material, such as Bhishm cubes, medical supplies, and other emergency provisions to aid affected communities.

Earlier Relief Efforts

The relief operation gained momentum on Saturday when two IAF transport aircraft, a C-130J and an IL-76, delivered nearly 21 tonnes of aid to Colombo. The IL-76 carried nine tonnes of relief material, eight tonnes of NDRF HADR equipment, 80 NDRF personnel, and four canines to assist in relief and search-and-rescue operations. The aircraft were deployed from the Hindan Air Force Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Additionally, the Indian Navy contributed with two Chetak helicopters operating from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, coordinating with the Sri Lanka Air Force in search-and-rescue missions. Relief consignments have also been transported via INS Vikrant and the frontline ship INS Udaigiri.

Impact of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan authorities have reported a death toll of 132 with 176 people missing over the past four days due to the cyclone’s destruction. The disaster has affected more than 43,900 people across 12,313 families, causing significant damage to infrastructure and homes.

Assistance to Indian Nationals

The Indian High Commission in Colombo has been actively assisting stranded Indian nationals at Bandaranaike International Airport, providing food, water, and other necessary support amid severe air traffic disruptions caused by the cyclone.

Support to Tamil Nadu, India

Operation Sagar Bandhu has also extended relief support within India. On November 29, a C-17 transport aircrafttransported an NDRF team and relief equipment from Pune to Chennai, aiding local authorities in Tamil Nadu to manage the cyclone’s aftermath effectively.

Conclusion

Operation Sagar Bandhu represents India’s rapid and coordinated response to humanitarian crises in the region. With C-130J and IL-76 aircraft, Mi-17 and Chetak helicopters, and dedicated NDRF personnel, India has ensured timely evacuation, supply delivery, and rescue operations, demonstrating strong regional solidarity during natural disasters.

The IAF continues to monitor the situation closely, with multiple missions planned to support affected populations in Sri Lanka while safeguarding the lives of Indian nationals stranded abroad.