Cyclone Ditwah: Sri Lanka Death Toll Reaches 366; Indian Army Launches Major Relief Under Operation Sagar Bandhu

The human tragedy unfolding in Sri Lanka continues to deepen as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah-induced floods and landslides has climbed to 366, with 367 people still missing. Nearly 1.15 million residents have been affected across multiple districts, while more than 218,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.

Rescue efforts have now shifted into large-scale relief and rehabilitation operations. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is overseeing the nationwide mission, focusing on restoring essential services, setting up temporary shelters, and ensuring uninterrupted access to food, medical care and sanitation for displaced families.

India Steps in as First Responder

India has once again positioned itself as Sri Lanka’s closest partner in crisis. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army has deployed a specialised humanitarian contingent, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to supporting Colombo in its hour of need.

Indian Army’s Specialised Contingent Arrives

The deployed force includes medical, engineering and signals units equipped for immediate and long-term relief work.

Key components include:

• Advanced Dressing Stations (ADS)

• Mobile Surgical Teams (MST) with a fully equipped operation theatre

• Facilities capable of treating 20–30 patients simultaneously

• Engineering teams restoring damaged infrastructure and essential services

• Signals detachments ensuring uninterrupted communication networks for relief operations

The contingent is designed to sustain high-intensity humanitarian activity and support Sri Lankan authorities across the most affected districts.

PM Narendra Modi Assures Full Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to express condolences for the “loss of lives and widespread devastation.” He assured that India stands in firm solidarity with Sri Lanka and will continue to scale up support through Operation Sagar Bandhu.

India has already delivered:

• 9.5 tonnes of emergency rations via two Indian Navy ships

• 31.5 tonnes of relief material via Indian Air Force aircraft, including tents, blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene essentials, medicines and surgical supplies

Both governments confirmed that Indian relief teams, naval support and emergency airlifts have been widely appreciated across Sri Lanka as communities struggle to recover.