Operation Sagar Bandhu: India Sends 27 Tonnes Of Humanitarian Aid To Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah: India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative to support Sri Lanka as the island country battles Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed at least 123 lives and left over 130 people missing.
Disaster Management Centre Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda said relief operations were underway with 43,995 people moved to state-run welfare centres after their homes were destroyed in the week-long heavy rains.
The DMC said as many as 1,48,603 individuals from 44,192 families were suffering due to widespread flooding, while 5,024 families (approximately 14,000 people) had taken shelter in 195 emergency centres.
The first tranche of relief materials was handed over after the consignments were transported by the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri to the island nation.
The first shipment, comprising 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh rations, was sourced from the Indian naval ships which are currently docked in Sri Lanka. The supplies included staple foods, ready-to-eat items, dairy and bakery products, beverages and other essential materials.
On Saturday, an IAF C-130J aircraft carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, landed in Colombo.

Operation Sagar Bandhu | Humanitarian Assistance
In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts.
The Indian Air Force promptly deployed one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindan Air… pic.twitter.com/cIT7gKiPNs
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 29, 2025

Later, an IAF IL-76 aircraft carrying 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, four sniffer dogs and specialised relief equipment to support rescue operations, reached the island nation.
The contingent, led by 8th Battalion Commandant P K Tiwary, flew out from Hindon Air Base with inflatable boats, hydraulic cutting and breaching tools, communication gear and medical kits, as part of India’s HADR outreach under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also shared the update on X, saying that a total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea.

Another @IAF_MCC IL-76 aircraft lands in Colombo with:
➡️9 Tons Relief Material
➡️2 Urban Search & Rescue Teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force Personnel
A total of around 27 tons of relief material delivered by air and sea. More is on the way!
?? ??… pic.twitter.com/1YKjb0duzg
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 29, 2025

Additionally, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has set up an Emergency Help Desk at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
“Any distressed Indian citizen at ?? airports or any part of ?? in need of assistance may reach out to the emergency No ? ? +94 773727832. (For WhatsApp also) ? High Commission of India is providing all required assistance including food and water to Indian passengers stranded at BIA airport,” the High Commission said in a post on X.
The High Commission added that India’s support aligns with its “Neighbourhood First” policy and that further assistance will be coordinated with Sri Lankan authorities as the situation evolves. India has reaffirmed its commitment to help Sri Lanka recover and restore normalcy swiftly.
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka, expressing grief over the lives lost in the cyclone and extending solidarity with India’s “closest maritime neighbour.”
He noted that India had swiftly dispatched relief supplies and critical Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) equipment under the operation.
“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” said PM Modi, adding that the support was guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Cyclone Ditwah Wreaks Havoc In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka on Friday grappled with one of its worst disasters as cyclonic storm Ditwah wreaked havoc, causing floods and landslides that claimed more than 120 lives.
Disaster Management Centre Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda said relief operations were underway with 43,995 people moved to state-run welfare centres after their homes were destroyed in the week-long heavy rains.
Sri Lankan authorities warned of an “unprecedented disaster situation” in the Western Province from Friday night due to rising water levels in the Kelani and Attanagalu rivers.
Both Colombo and the next most populous district of Gampaha are under severe threat, prompting officials to urge residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate, they said.
Late on Friday, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed more than 80 people have died, while 34 remain missing in the past three days, as rescue operations intensify, according to news portal NewsFirst.lk.
The DMC said as many as 1,48,603 individuals from 44,192 families were suffering due to widespread flooding, while 5,024 families (approximately 14,000 people) had taken shelter in 195 emergency centres.
Scores of houses were destroyed completely or partially, leaving thousands homeless as Cyclone Ditwah unleashed torrential rainfall, triggering extensive flooding, landslides in central hill regions and major disruptions in other parts that have left several areas inaccessible.
The central Matale district recorded the highest rainfall in the 24 hours ending 6 am Thursday, receiving 540 mm, authorities said.