• Source:JND
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Cyclone Ditwah: Rescue operations intensified across Sri Lanka on Saturday as India deployed Chetak helicopters, disaster-response teams, and emergency relief supplies to assist the island nation battered by Cyclone Ditwah. A video released by the High Commission of India in Colombo captured Indian Navy choppers rescuing civilians trapped in rising floodwaters.

The video, filmed from aboard an Indian Chetak helicopter, shows naval personnel lowering ropes, harnesses, and inflatable rafts to reach people struggling amid raging waters. Survivors are seen swimming toward rescue lines before being hoisted to safety.

Sharing the footage, the Indian High Commission wrote, “Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Chetak helicopters from the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant carried out search and rescue sorties in Sri Lanka today… India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult time.”

Another clip released later shows a family of four stranded on a rooftop being safely evacuated by air, highlighting the severity of the crisis triggered by Cyclone Ditwah’s landfall.

Sri Lankan Minister Thanks India

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath expressed deep gratitude to New Delhi for its swift and large-scale support. In an interview with News18, Herath said India’s assistance helped save numerous lives amid catastrophic floods and landslides that have already claimed over 200 lives.

“India has supported us a lot. India sent rescue teams, food items, and other essential supplies. We had a very good conversation with Indian authorities,” he said.

Herath also confirmed that efforts were underway to assist Indian tourists and workers stranded across the country due to widespread disruption.

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Nearly One Million People Affected

Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said 9,98,918 people from 2,73,606 families have been affected, with many areas still inaccessible due to landslides, washed-out roads, and overflowing rivers. The island nation continues to face power outages, communication breakdowns, and flight cancellations. 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that NDRF personnel and the Indian Air Force were working “on a war footing” with Sri Lankan authorities.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo said officials had met stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport and assured them of immediate assistance. “The Government of India will facilitate their swift travel back to India,” it said.

Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has already delivered more than 27 tonnes of relief materials, including food, medicines, and emergency kits, transported via military aircraft. Two NDRF urban search-and-rescue teams comprising 80 personnel and two Chetak helicopters have been deployed as part of the ongoing mission.

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