Indian Navy Deploys Chetak Helicopters for Critical Rescue Operations in Flood-Ravaged Sri Lanka

A video released by the High Commission of India in Colombo documents the ongoing rescue operations in flood-ravaged Sri Lanka.

Indian Navy's Chetak helicopters deployed from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant are conducting critical rescue missions for people stranded amid severe flooding in Sri Lanka caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The Indian government has initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the neighboring island nation.

The High Commission of India in Colombo has shared footage showing these rescue efforts in progress. The video, captured from helicopter perspective, displays personnel deploying ropes, harnesses, and inflatable rafts to reach victims trapped by rising floodwaters. It shows survivors swimming toward rescue equipment before being lifted to safety.

"Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Chetak helicopters from the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant carried out search and rescue sorties in Sri Lanka today, supporting people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult time, working together to save lives and provide timely relief," the High Commission stated in their social media message.

Additionally, the Indian Air Force has dispatched a C-130 aircraft carrying emergency relief supplies, including essential food items and sanitary products, which arrived at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport early Saturday. Representatives from the Indian High Commission and Sri Lanka Air Force were present to receive the shipment.

These relief operations come as Sri Lankan authorities have declared an "unprecedented disaster situation" in the Western Province, with dangerous water levels rising in both the Kelani and Attanagalu rivers. Cyclone Ditwah has triggered widespread floods and landslides across the country, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and forcing thousands from their homes.

The death toll has reached at least 123, with another 130 individuals reported missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Director General Sampath Kotuwegoda confirmed that relief operations are underway, with 43,995 people now relocated to government welfare centers after losing their homes during a week of heavy rainfall.

The cyclonic system is currently moving away from Sri Lanka toward India.

Cyclone Ditwah continues its northward trajectory at 12 kmph and was positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent to north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts as of 8:30 am. The cyclone's center is approximately 70km from the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline. Authorities have issued red alerts across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh due to anticipated heavy rainfall.