The Indian Air Force has activated emergency evacuation protocols as Cyclone Ditwah threatens Sri Lanka, with rescue flights scheduled to begin operations from Colombo at 5 AM tomorrow. The massive relief operation aims to bring stranded Indian nationals back to safety as the severe weather system intensifies.
Emergency Evacuation Plan Activated
The Indian High Commission in Colombo has confirmed that special evacuation flights will commence operations on Thursday morning. Indian citizens stranded in Sri Lanka due to the approaching cyclone have been instructed to reach the Bandaranaike International Airport with their travel documents ready for processing.
According to official statements, the evacuation mission has been coordinated between multiple Indian government agencies, including the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Air Force. The decision to launch air rescue operations comes after meteorological departments issued severe weather warnings for the region, predicting that Cyclone Ditwah could make landfall within the next 48 hours.
Coordination and Preparedness Measures
Indian authorities have established emergency control rooms both in Colombo and New Delhi to monitor the situation and coordinate rescue efforts. The High Commission has set up dedicated helplines for Indian citizens requiring assistance and has been proactively contacting registered Indians in Sri Lanka about the evacuation schedule.
The evacuation operation involves multiple C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which are capable of transporting large numbers of passengers and can operate in challenging weather conditions. These military transport aircraft have been specially equipped for humanitarian missions and have previously been deployed in similar emergency evacuation operations worldwide.
Indian Embassy officials in Colombo have been working round-the-clock to ensure all necessary clearances and logistical arrangements are in place for the smooth execution of the evacuation mission. Sri Lankan authorities have provided full cooperation, expediting necessary permissions for the special flights.
Passenger Safety Protocols
Strict safety protocols have been established for the evacuation process. All passengers will undergo mandatory health screenings and security checks before boarding. The aircraft will be configured to maintain appropriate social distancing measures, and all evacuees will be provided with essential safety equipment during the flight.
Over 100 Indian nationals are expected to be evacuated in the first phase of operations, with priority given to elderly citizens, women, children, and those with medical conditions. Additional flights may be scheduled based on the severity of the cyclone and the number of Indians requiring evacuation.
The Indian government has assured that all evacuees will be transported to designated airports in Southern India, where arrangements for their further travel and temporary accommodation have been made in coordination with state governments.
As Cyclone Ditwah continues to approach the Sri Lankan coast, the Indian Air Force remains on high alert, prepared to launch additional rescue missions if required. The successful execution of this evacuation operation will demonstrate India's commitment to the safety and security of its citizens abroad during natural disasters and emergencies.
