On Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that a C-130J aircraft carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid had arrived in Colombo. This delivery is part of India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched on Friday to assist Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed over 80 lives so far.
Jaishankar shared the news on X, writing, “#OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130J plane carrying approximately 12 tons of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, lands in Colombo.”
The operation marks India’s swift response to the cyclone’s impact. In addition to the C-130J aircraft, the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and warship INS Udaigiri delivered initial relief supplies to Sri Lanka on Friday, handing them over to local authorities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a post on X, mourning the loss of lives and extending India’s solidarity to its “closest maritime neighbor.” He highlighted that India had already sent critical humanitarian aid and disaster relief equipment as part of the operation.
“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” Modi wrote, emphasizing that the support reflects India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Sri Lanka has been grappling with severe floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The island is facing one of its worst natural disasters in recent years, with widespread destruction and mounting casualties. According to reports, over 80 people have died as heavy rains continue to lash multiple provinces.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has confirmed 61 deaths and 25 people missing, while nearly 44,000 individuals from over 12,000 families have been affected since the severe weather began on November 16.
As the crisis deepens, Sri Lanka’s Western Province has been warned of an “unprecedented disaster situation” due to rising water levels in the Kelani and Attanagalu rivers. Several districts across the Northern, North-Central, Central, North-Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Western Provinces are expected to receive more than 200 mm of rainfall, with parts of Trincomalee, Badulla, Galle, and Matara forecasted to see over 150 mm. The DMC also reported that four homes have been completely destroyed and over 600 others partially damaged amid the ongoing deluge.
