Colombo

The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka has established an Emergency Help Desk at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to support Indian nationals stranded due to Cyclone Ditwah, which continues to unleash severe flooding and destruction across the island nation.

In an update posted on X, the mission said that Indian citizens facing distress at any airport or location in Sri Lanka can contact the emergency helpline +94 773727832, which is also available on WhatsApp. The High Commission said it is already assisting stranded passengers at BIA by providing food, drinking water and essentials.

Indian mission in Sri Lanka issues helpline for Indian nationals in need of help amid the flooding: pic.twitter.com/YAKceNwE0f

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 29, 2025

Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on Wednesday, has triggered record rainfall, major flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying areas around the Kelani river basin, forcing thousands to evacuate. The Sri Lankan armed forces have deployed boats and helicopters for rescue operations in the worst-hit districts.

As the situation deteriorated, India rushed specialised disaster-response teams and relief assistance to support Colombo's rescue efforts. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said two teams comprising 80 personnel were flown to Sri Lanka early Friday onboard an IL-76 aircraft, which landed in Colombo at 0810 hours.

Along with the deployment, India has transported around 21 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including tents, blankets, mattresses, dignity kits and other essentials for immediate relief.

Earlier on Wednesday, two additional NDRF teams — including 80 rescuers and four canine squads — were airlifted before dawn as the cyclone intensified. The contingent, led by P.K. Tiwary of the 8th Battalion, carried inflatable rescue boats, hydraulic cutters, breaching tools, communication systems and medical kits.

The Indian Air Force said Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched as the extent of devastation became clear. In a late-night statement, the IAF confirmed that a C-130 and IL-76 were scrambled from Hindan Air Base during the night of 28/29 November 2025, carrying relief material and specialized personnel to Colombo.

The supplies include essential rations and critical items for the hardest-hit communities and are intended to reinforce ongoing efforts to restore normalcy across Sri Lanka.

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The relief mission underscores India’s neighbourhood-first policy, with New Delhi reiterating that it “stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this hour of need.”