High Commission of India
Colombo

PRESS RELEASE 

India supports Search and Rescue efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu 

India has further strengthened its support as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu for the search and rescue efforts currently underway in Sri Lanka to bring relief to families affected by severe flooding and landslides in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. 

2. Yesterday (29), Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant airlifted several stranded people to secure locations. Further, MI 17 helicopters of Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted search and rescue operations today (30) near inaccessible Kotmale area, saving stranded persons, including pregnant women, infants, and those critically injured. People rescued are from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, U.K, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Further, the helicopters also airlifted critical casualties to Colombo as well as airlifted Sri Lankan Army personnel to landslide affected regions.

3. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, India’s specialized Disaster Response Agency for Search and Rescue and HADR activities, who arrived yesterday in Colombo, carried out rescue operations in Kochikade, Colombo working closely with Sri Lanka authorities. Further, NDRF teams are now working in Puttalam and Badulla areas, which are severely impacted and cut off. NDRF assisted families affected by severe flooding and helped ensure their immediate safety.

4. Evacuation of Indian passengers stranded in Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah continues through commercial airlines and IAF flights. About 750 Indian passengers have been evacuated to various cities in India. Further evacuations are underway.

5. India as a first responder will continue assistance as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka. 

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Colombo
30 November 2025