New Delhi

India has intensified Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka, with a C-17 aircraft on Tuesday airlifting a para field hospital and 73 medical personnel from Agra to Colombo.

The Indian Army has deployed an integrated, high-readiness HADR task force from the Shatrujeet Brigade to help restore essential services and support affected families.

Meanwhile, IAF Mi-17 helicopters continued relief missions, airlifting over eight tonnes of supplies and evacuating 65 people, including foreign nationals, critically ill patients and a pregnant woman.

Since November 28, India has sent 53 tonnes of aid by air and sea, including supplies delivered by INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya. Three IAF aircraft have also transported large quantities of tents, tarpaulins, food and medical equipment.

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Cyclone Ditwah has caused severe flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, leaving hundreds dead or missing and overwhelming disaster-response efforts.