Operation Sagar Bandhu: India's Swift Response to Sri Lanka's Flood Crisis

An Indian Air Force aircraft delivered emergency relief to Sri Lanka, which is reeling under the destructive impact of Cyclone Ditwah. With significant damage caused by floods and landslides, the response, named 'Operation Sagar Bandhu,' includes food and sanitary supplies amid escalating disaster conditions.

An Indian Air Force C130 aircraft arrived in Sri Lanka early Saturday morning, carrying emergency relief materials for flood-displaced residents. The aircraft, loaded with essential food and sanitary supplies, landed at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport and was received by Indian High Commission and Sri Lanka Air Force officials.

As a part of 'Operation Sagar Bandhu,' India launched its support to Sri Lanka's crisis, with the first tranche of relief materials delivered via the Indian Navy's INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri. The assistance comes amid warnings of an 'unprecedented disaster situation' in Sri Lanka's Western Province due to rising river levels.

Cyclone Ditwah has caused devastating floods and landslides across Sri Lanka, with official reports indicating 69 deaths and over 200,000 affected individuals. The cyclone has also led to power outages, affecting around 7 million people, while restoration efforts are being hampered by ongoing severe weather conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)