India Aids Sri Lanka After Cyclone Ditwah: Hundreds Evacuated
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully evacuated over 300 Indian nationals who were stranded in Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The evacuees were transported to Thiruvananthapuram airport.
IAF's Rescue Operations
According to a Defence spokesperson, the IAF utilized IL-76 and C-130J heavy lift carriers, initially deployed to deliver rescue materials and NDRF teams, for the evacuation.
Key Highlights of the Operation:
- Over 300 Indian nationals evacuated to Thiruvananthapuram.
- IAF aircraft operated from Colombo to Thiruvananthapuram, arriving by 7:30 PM on Sunday.
- IL-76 and C-130J heavy lift carriers used for evacuation.
Operation Sagar Bandhu: Extending Humanitarian Assistance
The IAF continues to provide critical Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu. This operation aims to alleviate the severe humanitarian impact caused by recent natural calamities in the region.
Rescue Missions and Evacuations
IAF helicopters have airlifted a total of 57 Sri Lankan Army personnel from Diyathalawa Army Camp and Colombo to Kotmale. Kotmale, a landslide-affected area in central Sri Lanka, had been completely cut off by road.
Hybrid Rescue Operation
A unique hybrid mission was undertaken by the IAF:
- Garud Commandos were dropped near stranded civilians.
- The Commandos guided the civilians to pre-identified landing sites.
- Helicopters then picked up the civilians.
A total of 55 civilians, including Indians, foreign nationals, and Sri Lankan survivors, were successfully evacuated to Colombo.
Round-the-Clock Operations
Two Indian helicopters have flown more than 12 sorties for the rescue operations to date, operating continuously to provide aid and support.
