The Indian Air Force (IAF) spearheaded a critical rescue and evacuation mission in Kotmale, Sri Lanka, a region left completely isolated by Cyclone Ditwah’s devastating impact. Operating under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ the IAF’s helicopters worked tirelessly on Sunday, successfully evacuating 45 individuals, including vulnerable infants and critically injured patients, to Colombo. The operation underscored a strong international collaboration, with 12 Indian nationals, numerous foreign nationals from various countries, and Sri Lankan citizens among those safely brought to safety. Further bolstering relief efforts, the IAF also transported 57 Sri Lankan Army personnel into the disaster zone to aid in critical rescue and clearance operations. The force also facilitated the airlifting of over 400 Indian citizens back to India by 8 p.m., with further missions planned to continue supporting the stranded.
The mission involved intricate maneuvers, including a Garud commando being winched down to guide evacuees through challenging terrain to a designated helipad. This allowed for the safe evacuation of 24 passengers to Colombo. In parallel, three critically injured individuals received immediate medical attention via airlift. The joint efforts saw Sri Lankan Army teams also deployed to the affected Kotmale area, demonstrating a unified response to the severe weather crisis. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka highlighted ongoing efforts, including the rescue of a family by a Chetak helicopter from INS Vikrant, reinforcing India’s commitment to assisting its neighbor during this challenging time. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also actively involved in intensifying relief operations across Sri Lanka.