In response to the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah across several parts of Sri Lanka, the Government of India deployed specialized teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) under Operation Sagar Bandhu as a humanitarian measure for search, rescue, and relief efforts. India was the first country to send trained disaster responders within the first 24 hours of Cyclone Ditwah. After successfully completing their Mission, the NDRF teams departed from Colombo today (05).
Working in close coordination with and under the guidance of Sri Lankan authorities, the NDRF carried out extensive operations across multiple districts. The teams, comprising 80 personnel and K9 (search and rescue dogs) units, arrived in Sri Lanka on 29 November 2025 and were immediately deployed to some of the worst-affected areas.
The NDRF undertook sustained rescue efforts in flood-affected and landslide-hit areas in Badulla, Kochchikade, Puttalam, Colombo, and Gampaha. Their operations involved navigating submerged neighborhoods, reaching stranded households, assisting those trapped inside damaged structures, recovering the deceased, distributing aid and providing immediate medical attention where needed.
The teams rescued and evacuated about 150 persons, recovered several deceased individuals and stranded animals, and responded to every call for assistance despite hazardous water conditions, damaged access routes, and unstable terrain. They assisted pregnant women, infants, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable community members, reflecting the deeply humanitarian approach of the operation.
In Badulla district, one of the worst impacted by landslides, NDRF personnel trekked long distances on foot with specialised equipment and K9 search support. They operated through challenging weather, unstable slopes, and debris as deep as 8–10 feet for the recovery operation.
Alongside rescue efforts, the NDRF assisted in relief operations by helping distribute over 1,600 food packets to affected families in Kochchikade and Wennappuwa, ensuring timely access to essential supplies in areas where connectivity had collapsed. In Gampaha District, they carried out de-watering of 14 contaminated wells, helping restore safe water supply in inundated communities.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is India’s premier specialist agency for responding to disasters. With expertise in flood rescue, collapsed-structure operations, landslides, cyclones and chemical emergencies, supported by state-of-the-art equipment and trained K9 units. NDRF has a proven record of responding effectively both within India and internationally. NDRF has earlier assisted in disaster response efforts in Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Turkey, Japan etc. Their efforts in Sri Lanka over the past week stand as a testament to the deep humanitarian bonds and the enduring partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
