Speaking with Sri Lankan President Anura K. Dissanayake on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences for the deaths and destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka and reassured him of India's ongoing support for the Indian Ocean neighbor through Operation Sagar Bandhu, which has begun rescue and relief efforts for those in need.
The Prime Minister assured that India, in line with its Vision MAHASAGAR and its established position as the 'First Responder', will continue to extend all necessary assistance in the coming days as Sri Lanka undertakes rehabilitation efforts, resumes public services and works towards restoring livelihoods across the impacted regions, said an Indian readout.
In conjunction with the Sri Lankan authorities, the Indian govt quickly sent 9.5 tons of emergency supplies from two Indian Navy ships in Colombo and deployed three Indian Air Force planes for airlifting another 31.5 tons of relief materials.
Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of Indian Air Force have conducted significant rescue operations, airlifting stranded persons, including pregnant women, newborns and those badly injured, claimed the govt.
"Nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were among those rescued.
The government reported that more than 150 people had been saved and helped in these joint activities, which are still ongoing.
The prime minister indicated to Sri Lankan president that the people of India stand in firm solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka at this hour of need.
