Colombo [Sri Lanka], December 5 (ANI): India is continuing humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu after Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed more than 400 people on the island.
An Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster landed in Colombo on Thursday carrying Bailey bridge units to help restore road accessibility. The flight also brought a team of 25 personnel, including engineers and medical experts, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
This is the second IAF C-17 to arrive with Bailey bridge components. Indian field engineers who reached Wednesday night began reconnaissance and have started work to reopen vital routes damaged by the cyclone, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said.
IAF helicopters have continued rescue operations near Kotmale, providing timely assistance to affected communities.
Cyclone Ditwah made landfall in Sri Lanka on November 28, triggering severe flooding, heavy rain and landslides across multiple districts and causing widespread destruction. In response, Operation Sagar Bandhu has mobilised urgent relief including food, medical aid, rescue support and other essential supplies.
Mahishini Colonne, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, said more than 400 people lost their lives and relief and rescue efforts are ongoing. She expressed gratitude to India for being a first responder, noting India’s past assistance during the tsunami and Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.
India’s rapid, large-scale support underscores its commitment to neighbouring nations in crisis, in line with its Neighbourhood First policy and MAHASAGAR outlook. (ANI)
