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India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to extend crucial Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support to its closest maritime neighbour

The powerful Cyclonic Storm Ditwah has left a trail of unprecedented destruction across Sri Lanka before re-emerging over the Bay of Bengal and setting its course towards India’s southern coastline.

The island nation has been grappling with one of its worst weather disasters in years, as days of torrential rain, intensified by the cyclonic system’s formation, triggered widespread flooding and catastrophic landslides, particularly in the central hill and eastern coastal regions.

Isolated, Flooded, Uprooted

The death toll in Sri Lanka has tragically surpassed 130 people, with dozens more reported missing, as rescue operations continue amid the wreckage. Over 200,000 individuals from more than 61,000 families have been severely affected, with thousands forced to seek shelter in emergency relief camps after their homes were destroyed or partially damaged. The central tea-growing regions, including Badulla and Kandy, reported the highest casualties due to major slope failures that swept away entire communities.

Essential infrastructure, including major highways and key bridges in provinces like Matale and Polonnaruwa, has been washed away, severely isolating communities and hindering relief efforts.

Hope in the Storm

In a swift and robust display of its Neighbourhood First policy, India immediately launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to extend crucial Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support to its closest maritime neighbour. Within hours of the disaster’s peak, the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, and the frontline frigate, INS Udaigiri, which were already in Colombo for an International Fleet Review, were immediately diverted to relief duty. These ships delivered the first tranche of aid, including 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh food supplies.

Following this, the Indian Air Force deployed a C-130J aircraft carrying approximately 12 tonnes of urgent humanitarian supplies, including tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat meals, to Colombo. Furthermore, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) dispatched two specialised rescue teams, comprising 80 highly trained personnel and four search canines, to assist Sri Lankan authorities in on-ground search and rescue missions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly conveyed his deep condolences, reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to stand with Sri Lanka in its hour of need.

Next Target?

Now, as Cyclone Ditwah moves north-northwestward from the Sri Lankan coast, all eyes are on the Indian coastline. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the cyclonic storm is likely to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal, near the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh coasts by the early hours of Sunday.

While the system is currently classified as a cyclonic storm, the IMD has warned of potential slight intensification as it approaches the coast, bringing peak wind speeds of 70-90 km/h, gusting to 100 km/h.

Race for Readiness

In anticipation of the severe weather, India’s coastal states are on high alert. Tamil Nadu has placed multiple districts, particularly in the delta and northern coastal belt, like Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, and Chengalpattu, under a Red Alert, signifying the threat of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. The metropolitan city of Chennai and nearby areas are under an Orange Alert, bracing for very heavy rain and possible urban flooding that could disrupt transport and normal life.

The NDRF has already pre-positioned over 14 teams across vulnerable districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with additional teams en route. Fishermen have been strictly warned to stay ashore, and state disaster management authorities are evacuating residents from low-lying coastal areas to designated relief camps, preparing for the inevitable heavy impact of the storm’s peripheral and core bands.

About the Author

Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He trawls X via ...Read More

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