In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah’s rampage across Sri Lanka, the Indian military’s Operation Sagarbahu stands as a beacon of hope and rapid recovery. Over months of dedicated work, Indian engineers have been rebuilding essential connectivity, with locals expressing profound appreciation for the lifeline restored.
The spotlight falls on Bridge B-492, crucial for linking Kandy and Badulla amid the cyclone’s trail of floods, landslides, and ruined roads. Indian Army teams have deployed Bailey bridges at 15km and 21km markers, swiftly reconnecting divided regions and easing the burden on daily commuters and isolated villages.
Social media buzzed with a touching video where a young schoolgirl voices the community’s sentiments: ‘Your service means everything to us, traveling so far from India to help. Without this bridge, we were cut off completely—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.’ The Indian Army’s post highlighted how these efforts not only mend physical paths but also strengthen people-to-people ties.
Initiated in November 2024 right after Ditwah’s landfall, Operation Sagarbahu leveraged the timely presence of INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, which pivoted from celebratory naval events to frontline HADR duties. The storm crippled Sri Lanka’s disaster response, prompting India’s immediate intervention with supplies, medical aid, and engineering prowess.
Adding to the impact, a field hospital in Mahiyanganaya treated thousands, offering life-saving surgeries and trauma management. This sustained operation reflects India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ ethos, proving that true partnership shines brightest in times of adversity. With work ongoing, Sri Lanka’s path to normalcy owes much to these selfless endeavors.