Sri Lanka:Cyclone Ditwah claims 123 lives. NDRF deploys relief teams

The cyclonic storm Ditwah has wreaked havoc in most parts of Sri Lanka with relentless rain resulting in loss of life and property. The cyclone has claimed 123 lives, left 130 missing, and affected over three lakh 70 thousand people. After days of relentless rains, Sri Lanka is beginning to see a gradual reduction in rainfall as Cyclone Ditwah moves north-northwest toward the Tamil Nadu coast. The Indian High Commission has is set up an Emergency Help Desk at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Saturday deployed two specialised rescue teams to Sri Lanka under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to assist in relief and rescue efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. The teams, comprising 80 trained rescuers and four canines, departed at 4:06 a.m. from the Hindon Airbase aboard an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft. The contingent is led by Commandant P.K. Tiwary of the 8th Battalion. An Indian Air Force C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items also landed in Colombo. An Indian Air Force plane carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, landed in Colombo on Saturday following Cyclone Ditwah.

The Indian High Commission has stated that India has provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other essential relief items brought by Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to assist impacted families.