The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has intensified relief and rescue operations in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, as the island nation continues to battle severe flooding, landslides and heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared images of the ongoing operations on X, stating, "NDRF personnel, in close coordination with local authorities, continue to undertake relief operations in Sri Lanka. Operation Sagar Bandhu."
Sri Lanka remains in the grip of extreme weather, with the death toll rising to 153 and at least 191 people still missing, according to figures cited from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). 
Widespread flooding and landslides have affected 774,724 individuals across 25 districts, while 100,898 people are currently housed in 798 evacuation centres.
On Saturday, India deployed two specialised NDRF teams comprising 80 rescuers and four canines to support large-scale evacuation and humanitarian efforts. 
The teams flew from the Hindon Airbase aboard an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft and are led by Commandant P.K. Tiwary of the 8th Battalion.
According to the NDRF, the contingent is equipped with inflatable rescue boats, hydraulic cutting and breaching tools, advanced communication gear, medical kits, and key humanitarian supplies.
The Indian Air Force has also stationed Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo for swift Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. 
Transport aircraft have been designated for the evacuation of Indian nationals, with relief items, including medical supplies and Bhishm cubes, being airlifted to affected regions.
Officials said four Indian helicopters are assisting nationwide rescue operations, including two operating from INS Vikrant.&nbsp;
These aircraft have completed multiple sorties in Pannala, rescuing people trapped by rapidly rising waters.
Meanwhile, communication issues continue to hinder coordination in the worst-hit zones. 
Sri Lanka&rsquo;s telecommunications operators have agreed to prioritise emergency calls to ease congestion and strengthen response efforts.&nbsp;
Authorities expect weather conditions to begin improving from Sunday.
&mdash;IANS

Over 150 dead, thousands displaced in Sri Lanka as India boosts rescue operations

NDRF Leads Major Sri Lanka Rescue Drive

Over 150 dead, thousands displaced in Sri Lanka as India boosts rescue operations

November 30, 2025 | 14:54 IST