Colombo – On Friday, the Indian High Commission confirmed that “Operation Sagar Bandhu” has begun, with India providing urgent humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah hit the island. The commission said that 4.5 tonnes of dry food and 2 tonnes of fresh provisions, along with other essential relief items, were delivered aboard the Indian naval vessels INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to help families affected by the storm.
In a statement posted on X, the High Commission echoed the same message, saying: “Operation Sagar Bandhu is underway, delivering urgent HADR support to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. India extends urgent HADR support to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. India has provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other essential relief items from INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to assist affected families. In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences on X: “My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah. I pray for the safety, comfort and swift recovery of all affected families. In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves. Guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need.”
The Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre reports that 56 people have died, 14 were injured and 21 remain missing following the cyclone. Roughly 44,000 residents from 12,300 families have been affected, and the storm destroyed four houses while damaging 666 others. Heavy rains, rising floods and landslides have disrupted daily life across the country.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has mobilised the army, sending over 20,500 troops to carry out rescue operations, and has instructed the Tourism Authority to support foreign tourists facing difficulties amid the crisis. Power outages have affected more than 65,000 households, with about 26,000 already restored. Bandaranaike International Airport has diverted 15 inbound flights since 10:55 pm, rerouting them to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Trivandrum, and Cochin.
The India Meteorological Department issued a cyclone alert for the coasts of North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh. The department noted that Ditwah, located roughly 40 km southwest of Trincomalee, was moving north‑northwest at 10 km/h. It is expected to continue across Sri Lanka’s coast and the southwest Bay of Bengal, potentially reaching the same region by the early morning of 30 November.
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