NEW DELHI/ COLOMBO, Nov 29 (TIWN): In a display of regional solidarity, India has stepped up to aid its neighbor Sri Lanka amid the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed over 120 lives and left more than 130 people missing. As the cyclone heads towards southern India, states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry are on high alert, with preparations underway to mitigate potential impacts. This article explores how India is responding to the Sri Lanka cyclone crisis, highlighting Operation Sagar Bandhu and domestic readiness measures.

In a display of regional solidarity, India has stepped up to aid its neighbor Sri Lanka amid the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed over 120 lives and left more than 130 people missing. As the cyclone heads towards southern India, states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry are on high alert, with preparations underway to mitigate potential impacts. This article explores how India is responding to the Sri Lanka cyclone crisis, highlighting Operation Sagar Bandhu and domestic readiness measures.

India's Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka: Operation Sagar Bandhu in Action

India's response to the Sri Lanka cyclone disaster has been prompt and comprehensive, underscoring New Delhi's commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in the region. Launched under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has deployed resources to support Colombo in managing the cyclone's havoc, which has affected over 40,000 people and caused widespread destruction.

Key highlights of India's aid efforts:

• NDRF Deployment: 80 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been sent to Sri Lanka to assist in rescue and relief operations.
• Relief Materials: Over 21 tonnes of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and rescue equipment, were airlifted to the island nation.
• Indian Air Force's Role: The IAF facilitated the rapid delivery of aid, ensuring timely support amid deteriorating weather conditions.

This operation reflects India's "Neighborhood First" policy, providing critical assistance as Sri Lanka grapples with rising death tolls and missing persons. With the cyclone named "Ditwah" (meaning "port" in Arabic, proposed by Qatar), international collaboration in weather monitoring has also been emphasized, but India's on-ground support stands out as a beacon of bilateral ties.

How India is Preparing for Cyclone Ditwah's Approach

As Cyclone Ditwah weakens post-Sri Lanka but intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for coastal districts in southern India. The storm is projected to make landfall between northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of November 30, 2025, bringing heavy rainfall, winds up to 100 km/h, and risks of urban flooding and landslides.

From an Indian perspective, the focus is on proactive measures to safeguard lives and infrastructure:

• High Alerts in South Indian States: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry are on red alert, with evacuations ordered in low-lying areas. Fishing activities have been suspended, and residents are advised to stay indoors and stock essentials.
• NDRF Prepositioning: Teams from the NDRF are already stationed in vulnerable regions, ready to respond to emergencies.
• Emergency Protocols: State governments have activated disaster management plans, including monitoring hilly areas for landslides and ensuring minimal disruptions to transportation.

The IMD reports the cyclone is currently 220 km from Karaikal, moving north-northwest. Indian authorities are urging citizens to follow official updates, emphasizing that climate change may be exacerbating such extreme weather events in South Asia.

Why India's Response Matters: Strengthening Regional Resilience

India's dual approach—providing aid to Sri Lanka while fortifying its own defenses—highlights the nation's leadership in disaster management. Operation Sagar Bandhu not only aids immediate recovery in Sri Lanka but also builds long-term resilience against tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean. As international aid ramps up, India's contributions are pivotal in preventing further loss of life.