Operation Sagar Bandhu: IAF Evacuates Indians And Foreign Nationals From Cyclone-Hit Kotmale | World News

The Indian Air Force, in close coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, on Sunday carried out major rescue and evacuation missions in the island nation’s landslide-hit Kotmale district, which remained completely isolated due to road closures following Cyclone Ditwah.

During the day, IAF helicopters evacuated 45 stranded persons, including 6 critically injured and 4 infants, and transported them safely to Colombo.

Among those rescued were Sri Lankan citizens, as well as 12 Indian citizens and many foreign nationals from many countries.

To strengthen relief operations on the ground, the IAF also airlifted 57 Sri Lankan Army personnel to the affected area to support ongoing rescue and clearance efforts.

IAF also deployed Bhishm capsule and Medical team to take over 400 Indians back to India by 8 pm. More sorties are planned.

Earlier, the IAF said it carried out a hybrid rescue mission under Operation Sagar Bandhu to rescue stranded passengers from a restricted area in Sri Lanka as the island nation continues to face harsh weather conditions due to Cyclone Ditwah.

In a statement regarding

Indian Air Force – Media Coordination Center wrote on

“In a parallel effort, three critically injured were airlifted to Colombo for immediate medical attention. Earlier, five teams of Sri Lankan Army personnel (40 soldiers) were airlifted from Diyathalawa Army Camp to the landslide-affected Kotmale district to support relief operations.”

Responding to the IAF’s statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “Operation Sagar Bandhu.”

Earlier in the day, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said: “On 29 November 2025, a family of four stranded on a rooftop were rescued by a Chetak helicopter from INS Vikrant. They were airlifted safely and brought to a safe location. Operation Sagar Bandhu continues as India stands with the people of Sri Lanka.”

Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have intensified relief operations in Sri Lanka.\

Sharing pictures of relief operations carried out by NDRF personnel in Sri Lanka on

Sri Lanka is experiencing incessant rain, flash floods and landslides due to Cyclone Ditwah and the resulting weather system. According to Sri Lanka’s leading news organization Daily Mirror, citing the Disaster Management Center (DMC), as many as 153 people died and at least 191 people are missing due to severe weather conditions triggered by the cyclone while rescue operations intensified.

Police Headquarters in Sri Lanka urged people to stay away from damaged roads, bridges and unsafe areas affected by recent severe weather conditions, noting that large numbers of people gather in these places. The Road Development Authority (RDA) has started rapid restoration work on all affected roads and bridges. But police have warned that people visiting these unstable areas pose serious security risks.

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has established a dedicated Disaster Management Coordination Center to support medical aid and relief efforts for people affected by severe weather in Sri Lanka, Daily Mirror reported. GMOA stated that the special hotline previously established to assist those affected by the disaster remains active.