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India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to aid Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed at least 80 lives. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft delivered approximately 12 tons of humanitarian aid, including tents, blankets, and food, to Colombo. This assistance underscores India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR amidst the island nation’s severe disaster. India flies C-130 J plane carrying approx 12 tons of humanitarian aid to cylcone-hit Sri Lanka External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday announced that a C-130J aircraft carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid has landed in Colombo. The delivery is part of India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched on Friday to assist Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has so far claimed 80 lives.Sharing the update on X, Jaishankar wrote, “#OperationSagarBandhu unfolds. @IAF_MCC C-130J plane carrying approximately 12 tons of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items, lands in Colombo.”Cyclone Ditwah Approaches India: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh Brace For ImpactIndia initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu as part of its immediate response to assist cyclone-affected areas. The first relief consignments were transported by the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline warship INS Udaigiri, which arrived in Colombo on Friday and handed over supplies to Sri Lankan authorities.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, conveyed his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka, expressing grief over the lives lost in the cyclone and extending solidarity with India’s “closest maritime neighbour.” He noted that India had swiftly dispatched relief supplies and critical Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) equipment under the operation.“We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves,” said PM Modi, adding that the support was guided by India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. This comes as India bids to offer help Sri Lanka has been reeling from floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The island nation is facing one of its most severe disasters in recent years, with widespread damage to infrastructure and rising casualties. According to PTI, more than 80 people have died as the storm unleashed heavy rains across multiple provinces. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) separately reported 61 deaths and 25 people missing, while nearly 44,000 individuals from over 12,000 families have been affected since adverse weather began on November 16.The crisis intensified as Sri Lanka’s Western Province faced warnings of an “unprecedented disaster situation” owing to rising water levels in the Kelani and Attanagalu rivers. Several districts in the Northern, North-Central, Central, North-Western, Sabaragamuwa and Western Provinces are expected to receive over 200 mm of rain, according to the Sri Lankan Meteorological Department. Rainfall above 150 mm is also likely in parts of Trincomalee, Badulla, Galle and Matara. The DMC reported four homes destroyed and more than 600 partially damaged in the ongoing deluge.(With inputs from agencies)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCyclone Ditwah Approaches India: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh Brace For Impact’Op Sindoor Was Just A Glimpse Of Future Theatre Commands’: Air Marshal Ashutosh DixitPM Modi Unveils World’s Tallest Bronze Statue Of Lord Ram In South GoaIndia Says US Trade Deal Is ‘Only Matter Of Time’ As Tariffs Reshape Bilateral Trade NegotiationsPM Modi Joins Over 1 Lakh Devotees In Mass Bhagwat Gita Recitation At Udupi EventIndia’s Updated Quake Map Warns Entire Himalayan Arc Faces Major Risk, Forcing Urgent Safety Reforms’They Are Ours, We’ll Prove It’: Pakistani Leader’s Absurd Claim On ‘Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan’Cyclone Ditwah Intensifies, Monsoon Fury Slams Sri Lanka With At Least 56 Dead And Dozens MissingViral Video: Stage Crashes During UP Wedding As BJP Leaders Gather To Greet Bride & GroomIndia-Russia Summit Dates Out As PM Modi, Putin Review S-400, Su-57 And Global Security Challenges123Photostories7 everyday Indian foods that help improve your child’s memoryExpert-approved 3 best drinks and their right quantity to reverse fatty liver naturallyWeekly Cosmic Messages From November 29 To December 5, 2025 According To Your Birth DateBrainless but brilliant: 5 animals that survive without a brainJustin Bieber as a doting dad: Times the Grammy winner won our hearts with his love for Jack Blues BieberBengali film stories that shaped generations and still move hearts today10 emotional skills you must teach your childNur Jahan’s Taj Mahal toMaharani Sita Devi’s Star of South Diamond Necklace:5 lesser-known precious royal Indian jewellery piecesRebellious lovers who break every rule to define love in Bollywood moviesAnkita Lokhande reveals she is returning to Laughter Chefs season 3; Krushna Abhishek says ‘We will celebrate Christmas with our Bhauji’123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGiannis AntetokounmpoBo BichetteDonald TrumpDana WhiteAyesha CurryFuzzy ZoellerJammie BookerMarcus FolignoCalgary FlamesVanessa Bryant