Massive Rescue Operation Brings Stranded Indians Home
In a remarkable display of humanitarian assistance, more than 300 Indian citizens who found themselves trapped in Colombo due to the devastating Cyclone Ditwah were safely transported back to Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday night. The evacuation was carried out through two specialized Indian Air Force aircraft that executed a large-scale rescue mission as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Dramatic Air Lift from Crisis Zone
The rescue operation utilized the IAF's powerful IL-76 and C-130J heavy lift carriers, which had initially been deployed to deliver crucial rescue materials and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to flood-ravaged Sri Lanka. These same aircraft were strategically repurposed to evacuate stranded Indian nationals facing increasingly dire conditions.
According to an official defense statement, the first group of over 200 Indians arrived in Thiruvananthapuram by 7:30 PM, while another contingent of 135 people was expected to land by 11 PM aboard the C-130J aircraft. The evacuees had been among numerous Indian citizens stranded in Sri Lanka following catastrophic floods and relentless rainfall triggered by the cyclone.
Desperate Conditions Prompt Swift Action
The stranded passengers endured tremendous hardship as essential supplies including food and water began running dangerously low within the airport premises. Their plight came to light through emerging reports, prompting immediate intervention from the Union government.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had personally appealed to the Central government for assistance in bringing back the stranded individuals from Kerala. The island nation had declared a state of emergency following widespread destruction and tragic loss of life caused by the unprecedented flooding.
Upon their arrival at Thiruvananthapuram airport, Norka officials warmly received the returning citizens and efficiently arranged bus transportation to various destinations across the state. Most of the rescued individuals were reported to be from Ernakulam district.
Comprehensive Relief Efforts Continue
The Indian Air Force demonstrated exceptional coordination and capability by quickly mobilizing its heavy lift resources to transport humanitarian aid alongside specialized medical teams and disaster response personnel. These resources were deployed to assist local agencies in rescue, evacuation, and relief operations throughout the affected regions.
The defense statement elaborated that the IAF activated its Southern Air Command to deploy Mi-17V5 medium lift helicopters and elements of the elite Garud special force to Colombo. Working in close partnership with Sri Lankan authorities, these helicopters conducted multiple missions to rescue stranded and injured civilians from flood-submerged and landslide-affected areas.
In a particularly challenging operation, IAF helicopters successfully airlifted a total of 57 Sri Lankan Army personnel from Diyathalawa army camp and Colombo to Kotmale - a landslide-affected area in Sri Lanka's central province that had been completely cut off from road access.
The rescue teams executed a sophisticated hybrid mission where Garud commandos were strategically dropped near stranded civilians and then guided them to pre-identified landing sites for helicopter extraction. This complex operation resulted in the successful evacuation of 55 civilians, comprising Indian nationals, foreign citizens, and Sri Lankan survivors, all safely transported to Colombo.
Operating continuously without breaks, the two Indian helicopters have flown more than 12 sorties for rescue operations thus far, with authorities confirming that these critical missions will continue through Monday.
For Indian citizens who remain stranded in Sri Lanka, an emergency helpdesk has been established by the Indian High Commission at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport. Those requiring assistance at any airport or other location in Sri Lanka can contact +94 773727832 (also available on WhatsApp) for immediate support.
