Colombo: The Indian Air Force on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, IAF C-17 airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Pune. The ongoing operation has tapped into domestic support operations.
India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to aid Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah’s devastation. The Indian Air Force delivered 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of equipment to Colombo to assist those affected by severe floods.
In a post on X, it said, “Cyclone Ditwah- Ongoing Ops: Even as relief efforts continue in Sri Lanka, the Indian Air Force has simultaneously pressed into domestic support operations. An IAF C-17 has airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Pune and Vadodara to Chennai, enabling rapid deployment of over 300 NDRF personnel and around 35 tonnes of essential gear.”
Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said that a batch of relief assistance was handed over at Lanka IOC Trincomalee.
In a post on X, the Embassy said, “Operation Sagar Bandhu reaches Trincomalee. A batch of relief assistance facilitated by High Commission of India in Colombo comprising essential supplies, dry rations, clothes & fuel was handed over at Lanka IOC Trincomalee to the Chief Secretary, Eastern Province and Trincomalee District Administration. These include contributions from the Indian community in Colombo, which stands strong in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka, offering timely relief as Eastern Province continues to deal with Cyclone Ditwah.”
The High Commission said that the Indian Air Force saved 24 stranded people.
“Operation Sagar Bandhu saves lives and extends critical care. Indian Air Force helicopters conducted Search and Rescue operations today near Kotmale area in Sri Lanka, saving 24 stranded persons including those from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, U.K and South Africa. Further 3 critical casualties were airlifted to Colombo. Earlier the helicopters also airlifted Sri Lankan Army personnel to landslide affected regions,” the statement said.