The Indian Air Force (IAF) has rescued more than 55 people, including four babies and six critically injured patients, from areas in Sri Lanka that were badly hit by landslides and floods. The operation was carried out using Mi-17 helicopters under “Operation Sagar Bandhu.” The rescued group included both tourists and local residents trapped in the Kotmale region, which had become unreachable due to the disaster.

According to the IAF, people from 10 different countries were among those rescued, including citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh. During the mission, a Garud commando was lowered down by a winch to reach the stranded group. Because the area was full of thick forest and steep terrain, the helicopter could not land safely. The commando guided the people on foot through a narrow path to a small open area where the helicopter could pick them up.

The rescue was done in two major parts:

1. In the first trip, the helicopter carried 24 passengers and three critically injured people to Colombo Port and nearby hospitals.

2. In the second trip, it rescued 21 more passengers, including four infants, along with three more critically injured patients.

Officials shared the list of rescued nationalities: 14 Sri Lankans, 12 Indians, 6 Belarusians, 5 Iranians, 4 South Africans, 3 Poles, 3 Bangladeshis, 2 Germans, 2 Slovenians, 2 Britons, 1 Australian and 1 Pakistani. Earlier in the day, Indian helicopters also transported 40 Sri Lankan Army soldiers to the disaster-hit area to help with relief work and clearing roads.

The operation is another example of India helping its neighbouring countries during emergencies as part of its “Neighbourhood First” policy. This rescue was purely humanitarian, as India also evacuated Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals along with Indians and Western tourists.

Sri Lanka has been hit hard by Cyclone Ditwah, which caused heavy rains, floods and landslides. More than 150 people have died, and many are still missing. In response, India sent warships carrying 6.5 tonnes of food supplies and IAF aircraft carrying 21 tonnes of relief material and 80 NDRF personnel to support rescue operations.