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India has completed the evacuation of all stranded Indian citizens in Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah triggered severe floods. Under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’, the Indian Air Force and commercial airlines coordinated multiple rescue flights from Colombo.
Operation Sagar Bandhu Completes Evacuation of All Stranded Indians
New Delhi: Amid the devastating devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, India's Operation Sagar Bandhu continued to evacuate stranded Indian citizens. On Monday, the final batch of Indian passengers was safely brought back to India, marking the successful completion of the relief operation. The Indian High Commission in Colombo stated that these passengers were flown to Thiruvananthapuram by an Indian Air Force aircraft.
Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha was present at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport during the departure of stranded Indian passengers. As passengers began boarding the aircraft, chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" echoed throughout the premises. The Indian High Commission shared a post on social media, describing the scene as one of relief and joy as those stranded in difficult circumstances were finally able to return home safely.
Cyclone Ditwah: Three dead in Tamil Nadu rains; Here’s latest update
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide humanitarian assistance following the devastating cyclone in Sri Lanka. This operation not only evacuated citizens but also delivered a large amount of relief material. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft arrived in Colombo on Sunday carrying approximately 10 tons of relief material, BHISHM cubes, and a medical team.
In addition, the Indian Air Force airlifted 21 tons of relief material, over 80 NDRF personnel, and 8 tons of equipment to Sri Lanka to accelerate relief and rescue operations.
According to the Indian High Commission, both commercial flights and special Indian Air Force aircraft were used during the evacuation operation.
An IL-76 aircraft arrived in Thiruvananthapuram carrying 247 passengers.
A C-130J aircraft arrived in Delhi (Hindon Airbase) carrying 76 Indians.
The process of repatriating those still stranded in Sri Lanka to India via commercial flights continues.
The Indian High Commission is engaged in reaching out to every stranded citizen and providing assistance. Any Indian stranded in Sri Lanka is advised to contact the emergency helpdesk number +94 773727832. Airline counters at Colombo Airport have also been reactivated for the convenience of passengers.
Cyclone Ditwah: Flights cancelled, Rail services hit; India on alert as storm approaches
Cyclone Ditwah caused massive devastation in Sri Lanka, leading to flooding and loss of life in many areas. In such difficult times, India not only evacuated its citizens but also demonstrated its sensitivity and cooperation towards our neighboring country by sending extensive humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.
Operation Sagar Bandhu has now emerged as a successful relief mission, further strengthening the humanitarian and strategic ties between the two countries.
