PM Modi Offers Condolences; Dispatches Relief Assistance To Cyclone-Stricken Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India has launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to support Sri Lanka as it grapples with the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. He expressed deep condolences to the families who lost loved ones and assured them that India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in its moment of crisis.

PM Modi stated that India has urgently dispatched relief materials and essential HADR assistance to Colombo, reaffirming the nation’s continued commitment to humanitarian support in the region.

The Prime Minister emphasised that India remains ready to extend further aid as the situation evolves, guided by its Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that Operation Sagar Bandhu commenced with Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant and INS Udaigiri delivering relief materials in Colombo. He noted that additional measures are underway to support Sri Lanka as it faces severe weather disruptions.

The swift deployment reflects India’s long-standing maritime cooperation with Sri Lanka and its preparedness to provide immediate assistance during natural disasters.

Cyclone Ditwah Causes Heavy Losses in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has reported extensive damage across the island due to extreme weather triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.

At least 56 people have died, 14 have been injured, and 21 remain missing. The disaster has affected more than 43,000 people from 12,313 families.

The DMC reported that the cyclone has completely destroyed four houses and partially damaged 666 homes.

Continuous landslides, rising floodwaters, and heavy rainfall have severely disrupted daily life in several districts.

Severe weather forced the diversion of 15 inbound flights from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Aircraft diverted to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Trivandrum, and Cochin because severe weather created unsafe landing conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cyclone alert for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Ditwah continues to move north-northwestwards.

At 08:30 hrs IST on Friday, the storm lay centred over coastal Sri Lanka and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal.

The IMD stated that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh by the early hours of 30 November.

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