India's Operation Sagar Bandhu Delivers Urgent Flood Assistance to Sri Lanka

Post by : Raina Nasser

Colombo, Sri Lanka – India has rolled out a substantial humanitarian initiative by sending vital relief supplies to Sri Lanka, grappling with one of its most severe flooding crises in decades. A C130 plane, loaded with essential food, sanitary supplies, and emergency assistance, touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo around 1:30 am, where it was received by officials from the Indian High Commission and the Sri Lankan Air Force.

This initiative, named Operation Sagar Bandhu, is India's response to provide support during this challenging time for Sri Lanka. Previously, initial supplies were ferried by the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri. The aid is arriving at a critical moment when Sri Lankan authorities warn of a deteriorating disaster, particularly in the Western Province, as water levels in the Kelani and Attanagalu rivers have surged, inundating extensive areas and obstructing everyday activities.

The magnitude of the disaster is striking. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported 69 deaths as of early Saturday, with 34 individuals unaccounted for. Over 200,000 people from more than 61,000 families have been impacted. The Central Province, especially Kandy, has experienced some of the worst casualties, with local officials suggesting that the actual death toll may exceed current reports. Badulla district in the central hills has also faced severe landslides, with many individuals missing and confirmed deaths.

Compounding the crisis, Cyclone Ditwah has aggravated flooding, resulting in rivers and reservoirs overflowing across the island. Authorities have urged immediate evacuations for residents in at-risk areas. According to the Sri Lankan weather bureau, additional rainfall surpassing 200 millimeters is anticipated over the next day, even though the cyclone is expected to dissipate by late Saturday.

Approximately 35 percent of the nation is experiencing power outages, leaving around seven million residents without electricity. Restoration efforts are hampered by ongoing flooding and adverse weather. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences for the lives lost and reassured that New Delhi will persist in its support as the crisis unfolds.

This relief operation signifies a vital chapter in India-Sri Lanka collaboration during natural disasters, demonstrating the rapid humanitarian aid response amid one of Sri Lanka’s most catastrophic floods in recent years.