India has deployed a fully operational field hospital in Mahiyanganaya, near Kandy, to assist communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah as part of its humanitarian mission, Operation Sagar Bandhu. The Indian medical team has established trauma care and surgical capability on site and is providing ambulances and other critical services to deliver urgent, life‑saving support directly to a heavily impacted area.
The High Commission of India in Colombo said the facility is part of ongoing on‑the‑ground relief efforts. India has coordinated a broader package of rescue, medical and relief assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Earlier, the External Affairs Ministry said an Indian Air Force C‑17 Globemaster touched down in Colombo carrying Bailey bridge units to help restore road access. That flight also brought a 25‑person team of engineers and medical experts.
Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre reported the death toll from the severe weather had risen to 481 as of 6:00 PM on Thursday, with 345 people still listed as missing. Search, rescue and relief operations remain active in the worst‑affected districts.
The Department of Meteorology issued red alerts for intense lightning in several areas, including the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and the districts of Galle and Matara, valid until 11:00 PM. In total, seven districts are under red alerts and eight others are under amber alerts because of elevated lightning risk.
Relief agencies and authorities continue to prioritize emergency medical care, infrastructure repairs and search efforts as communities recover from the cyclone’s impact.
