‘OPERATION SAGAR BANDHU’ TO ASSIST CYCLONE-HIT SRI LANKA

NEWS – Sri Lanka faces one of its worst natural disasters as Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc across the island. Heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides have caused at least 153 deaths, damaged over 600 homes, and displaced more than 200,000 people from 61,000 families. Key areas affected include the Western Province, Kandy, and Badulla, with electricity disrupted for around 7 million people.

CYCLONE IMPACT

• Intense downpours and landslides have triggered severe infrastructural damage, including road blockages and home destruction.
• The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed 69 deaths and 34 missing persons by early Saturday, though actual tolls may be higher.
• Flooding of rivers such as Kelani and Attanagalu has created an “unprecedented disaster situation,” prompting closures of government offices and schools.

INDIA’S RESPONSE – OPERATION SAGAR BANDHU

In response, India launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’, providing humanitarian aid through the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy.

• The first batch of relief materials, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food, arrived via IAF C-130J aircraft at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
• The INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri were deployed to deliver additional supplies.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged the initiative on social media, emphasizing India’s prompt support.

FUTURE CONCERNS FOR INDIA

• Cyclone Ditwah is forecasted to move towards Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh, with Red and Orange warnings issued for several districts.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts landfall along the Indian coast on November 30, necessitating heightened preparedness.

SIGNIFICANCE
Operation Sagar Bandhu demonstrates India’s commitment to regional humanitarian assistance and disaster diplomacy, strengthening bilateral ties with Sri Lanka while providing timely aid during a severe natural calamity.