New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday to express his condolences for the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The Prime Minister conveyed India's solidarity with Sri Lanka during this challenging time and assured the President of continued assistance as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu. This operation aligns with India's Vision MAHASAGAR and its role as the region's "First Responder".
President Dissanayake expressed his deep gratitude for India's swift support, including the rapid deployment of rescue teams and relief supplies. He conveyed the appreciation of the Sri Lankan people for New Delhi's timely and effective response.
PM Modi assured President Dissanayake that India would continue to extend all necessary assistance as Sri Lanka undertakes rehabilitation efforts, restores public services, and works towards rebuilding livelihoods across the impacted regions. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as relief efforts progress.
Cyclone Ditwah has caused catastrophic flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, affecting nearly one million people. The hardest-hit districts include Gampaha, Colombo, Puttalam and Mannar, as well as Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Deadly landslides have also impacted the central hill country. Initial assessments indicate that more than 15,000 homes have been destroyed. Over 200 roads remain impassable, and at least 10 bridges have been damaged. Sections of the rail network and national power grid have also been affected.
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28 to deliver urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) assistance to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. In coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, India has supplied a total of 53 tonnes of relief material, including emergency rations, medical supplies, tents, and hygiene kits, delivered through Indian Navy ships and three IAF aircraft. Over 80 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams were deployed for rescue operations. Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and IAF Mi-17s conducted extensive airlift missions, rescuing 121 people of multiple nationalities, including critically injured individuals.
The Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has risen to over 300, with hundreds still missing. President Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency in response to the cyclone's aftermath and called for international assistance. The United Nations reports that Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst flood disasters in two decades. Severe disruptions to electricity, mobile and communications, and transport networks are reported in northern districts such as Jaffna, with entire villages isolated.
