On 29 November, India sent two specialised NDRF teams to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu to support relief and rescue operations following Cyclone Ditwah. The teams include 80 trained rescuers and four canines, led by Commandant P.K. Tiwary of the 8th Battalion. They departed from the Hindon Airbase onboard an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft.
• Humanitarian Aid Airlifted to Colombo: An IAF C-130J aircraft carrying nearly 12 tonnes of humanitarian assistance also reached Colombo. The supplies include:
- Tents and tarpaulins
- Blankets
- Hygiene kits
- Ready-to-eat food packets
• India’s Swift HADR Support: On 28 November, India had already delivered urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to Sri Lanka as part of the operation. The cyclone caused significant loss of life and left thousands affected, prompting rapid regional support.
• Origin of the Cyclone’s Name: The name ‘Ditwah’, meaning lagoon, was proposed by Yemen. It is believed to be inspired by the Detwah Lagoon, located on the northwest coast of Socotra.
• Strengthening Regional Disaster Response Cooperation: Operation Sagar Bandhu highlights India’s continued commitment to assisting neighbouring countries during natural disasters through swift deployment, humanitarian relief, and specialised rescue support.
Source: DD News
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