Sri Lanka proclaimed a state of emergency across the entire nation following Cyclone Ditwah, which resulted in extensive destruction and damage to infrastructure.
In a recent update from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) at 7 pm (local time) Saturday, the reported death toll was 153, with 191 individuals unaccounted for since Thursday.
Following Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka is facing significant flooding, landslides, and major service interruptions, including flight cancellations. The island is a favored tourist destination for Indian travelers.
“Acting High Commissioner @DrSatyanjal met stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. Acting HC assured them of all possible assistance. He communicated that the Govt of India will facilitate their swift return to India,” the Indian High Commission stated in a post on X.
The post on X included images of Acting High Commissioner Dr Satyanjal Pandey interacting with anxious passengers.
The High Commission also shared a link in a separate post for all Indian travelers stuck in Sri Lanka to register their details.
“Indian travelers can also check in at the Emergency Help Desk located at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo,” it noted.
Any distressed Indian citizen at the airports or anywhere in Sri Lanka seeking aid may contact the emergency number +94 773727832. (Available on WhatsApp too), the High Commission added.
Earlier, the High Commission mentioned: “Due to significant air traffic disruptions, Indian passengers facing challenges are being provided with food, water, and other support” as needed.
New Delhi is not only looking after its citizens, but it was also the first to respond to the neighboring country in distress.
As part of its Operation Sagar Bandhu, India dispatched approximately 21 tonnes of relief supplies via two military transport aircraft on Saturday, just after delivering over six tonnes of essential goods.
India further deployed two urban search and rescue teams, consisting of 80 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, while two Chetak helicopters aboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant joined the rescue efforts.
A cumulative total of around 27 tonnes of relief supplies has been delivered by air and sea, with more on the horizon, as he stated on social media.
