Operations :
An aircraft of Indian Air Force (IAF), a C‑130J plane, landed in Colombo carrying 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid for Sri Lanka. Included items: tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready‑to‑eat food etc.
Alongside the C‑130, an IL‑76 aircraft was also deployed — the IAF has air‑lifted a total of 21 tonnes of relief material plus over 80 personnel from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and additional equipment to assist with rescue/relief.
The sea‑based relief via navy ships (INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri) had already handed over earlier consignments — 4.5 tonnes of dry rations + 2 tonnes of fresh rations + other survival items — to Sri Lankan authorities.
According to the latest reports by Sri Lankan and Indian sources, the death toll due to Cyclone Ditwah has risen significantly. Some reports mention “at least 80 dead” today; other updates cite far higher numbers, indicating the disaster’s severity.
Relief on ground & What’s being sent now:
Today’s relief operation combined air + sea + specialised rescue teams:
The air‑lifted relief included essentials such as shelter materials (tents, tarpaulins), blankets, hygiene kits, ready‑to‑eat meals.
Over 80 NDRF personnel + rescue equipment were flown to Sri Lanka — enabling immediate rescue, relief and support efforts on ground.
Initial naval aid (delivered via INS Vikrant & Udaygiri) already provided basic food supplies — both dry & fresh rations — to affected families, to address immediate hunger and needs.
Broader Context & India’s Response Today:
The launch and execution of Operation Sagar Bandhu reflect India’s commitment under its “Neighbourhood First” policy to support neighbouring countries in crisis. The swift air + sea + ground rescue‑relief deployment shows a coordinated multi‑pronged response.
The mounting death toll and widespread damage in Sri Lanka — floods, landslides, displacement — continues to escalate, making the Indian aid timely and critical.
According to official statements, India has committed to continue further assistance in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, as the humanitarian situation evolves.
