India Deploys Another C-130J, Positions Helicopters in Colombo for Sri Lanka Relief
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India has intensified its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, deploying another C-130J transport aircraft and positioning Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo to facilitate swift relief operations. The move comes as Sri Lanka grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has left a devastating trail of destruction and claimed 132 lives. The Indian Air Force (IAF) transported nearly 21 tonnes of relief material on Saturday, including essential supplies and medical aid, to support affected communities. The IAF has also planned multiple missions to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in Sri Lanka from Trivandrum and Hindan. In addition to air support, the Indian Navy has also been involved in the relief efforts. The INS Sukanya, carrying humanitarian aid, is en route to Sri Lanka, while two Chetak helicopters from the INS Vikrant are participating in search and rescue operations alongside the Sri Lanka Air Force. According to the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo, over 43,900 people from 12,313 families have been affected by the extreme weather conditions. The Indian High Commission in Colombo is providing assistance to stranded Indian passengers at the Bandaranaike International Airport. India's Operation Sagar Bandhu has been underway since Cyclone Ditwah made landfall, with the country providing extensive relief and aid to Sri Lanka. The IAF remains committed to safeguarding lives and extending timely assistance to its neighbour in need.
