India supports Search and Rescue efforts
India has further strengthened its support to Operation Sagar Bandhu, the search and rescue efforts currently underway in Sri Lanka to bring relief to families affected by severe flooding and landslides in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
On Nov. 29, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant airlifted several stranded people to secure locations.
Further, MI 17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted search and rescue operations on Nov. 30 near the inaccessible Kotmale area, saving stranded people, including pregnant women, infants, and those critically injured.
People rescued are from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the UK, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Further, the helicopters airlifted critical casualties to Colombo and Sri Lankan Army personnel to the landslide-affected regions.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, India’s specialized Disaster Response Agency for Search and Rescue and HADR activities, who arrived in Colombo, carried out rescue operations in Kochikade, Colombo, working closely with Sri Lanka authorities.
Further, NDRF teams are now working in the Puttalam and Badulla areas, which are severely impacted and cut off. NDRF assisted families affected by severe flooding and helped ensure their immediate safety.
Evacuation of Indian passengers stranded in Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah continues through commercial airlines and IAF flights.
About 750 Indian passengers have been evacuated to various cities in India. Further evacuations are underway.
India, as a first responder, will continue assistance as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka