Thu Dec 04 06:31:57 UTC 2025: Summary:

India continues its humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka under “Operation Sagar Bandhu” following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. An IAF C-17 aircraft airlifted a 65-tonne Bailey Bridge to Colombo to help reconnect flood-hit areas. IAF helicopters delivered relief material and rescued survivors. Sri Lanka declared 22 districts as “disaster zones” with over 1.4 million people affected.

News Article:

India Bolsters Sri Lanka Cyclone Relief with “Operation Sagar Bandhu”

Colombo, Sri Lanka – December 4, 2025 – India is ramping up its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under “Operation Sagar Bandhu” following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah. As of Wednesday evening, the cyclone has claimed the lives of at least 479 people.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 transport aircraft successfully airlifted a crucial 65-tonne Bailey Bridge from Hindan, India, to Colombo on Wednesday. The Bailey Bridge, a portable, prefabricated modular structure, will be instrumental in reconnecting regions severed by flooding and infrastructure damage. Visuals shared by the Defence Ministry showed IAF personnel on the ground coordinating rescue, medical, and relief efforts.

In addition to the bridge delivery, IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopters are conducting sustained missions, delivering nine tonnes of relief material and rescuing three survivors from affected areas. The Indian High Commission confirmed that these air, sea, and ground operations are delivering urgent relief to cyclone victims.

“Operation Sagar Bandhu” was launched on November 28 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bolster Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts in Sri Lanka. The island nation is grappling with widespread flooding, landslides, and severe infrastructure damage after Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on November 25.

The Sri Lankan government has declared 22 of its 25 administrative districts as ‘disaster zones.’ Over 1.4 million people have been affected by the cyclone, with more than 233,000 currently seeking shelter in 1,441 relief centers.

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