Former Sri Lankan cricket star Angelo Mathews has publicly expressed gratitude towards the armed forces of India, Pakistan, and other nations for their life-saving efforts during the catastrophic flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The severe weather system has plunged Sri Lanka into a profound crisis, causing widespread destruction, loss of life, and major transport disruptions.
International Forces Rally for Rescue Missions
In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, Mathews singled out the heroic work of rescue personnel operating in perilous conditions. "A special thanks to all our armed forces for risking their lives to save all Sri Lankans who are affected and strangled," he wrote. The cricketer extended his appreciation internationally, adding, "Also a big thank you to Indian and Pakistani and all other armed forces trying to save lives in Sri Lanka risking their lives! All Sri Lankans truly appreciate your efforts."
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, mobilising a significant humanitarian and search-and-rescue mission for its island neighbour. The assistance is being delivered through a coordinated air and sea bridge.
Scale of India's Relief and Rescue Operations
The Ministry of External Affairs provided a detailed update on the ongoing efforts. According to officials, 53 tonnes of relief material have been dispatched to Sri Lanka since the operation began. Furthermore, the crisis response has facilitated the return of more than 2,000 stranded Indian nationals from the flood-ravaged country.
Teams from India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are actively conducting operations in some of the most severely affected and isolated regions of Sri Lanka. "Over 150 persons have been rescued and assisted in these combined operations, which are continuing," the MEA stated on Monday. The rescued individuals represent a diverse group of nationalities, highlighting the international scope of the disaster.
The MEA confirmed that rescued persons included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Helicopter Sorties Save the Vulnerable
Critical airlift missions have been a cornerstone of the rescue work. With crucial support from the Sri Lanka Air Force, Chetak helicopters from the Indian Naval Ship Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force have executed daring sorties. These flights have successfully airlifted stranded civilians, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, infants, and the injured, from inaccessible areas.
The human cost of the extreme weather that began battering Sri Lanka from November 16 is staggering. As of Sunday, Sri Lankan authorities reported 334 deaths and 370 people still missing due to the resultant floods and landslides. The nation continues to grapple with the aftermath as international support flows in.
Angelo Mathews, who retired from Test cricket in June this year, used his platform to shine a light on the collaborative rescue work, underscoring the regional solidarity in the face of natural disaster.
