Tourism in Crisis as Cyclone Ditwah Strikes Sri Lanka: India’s Emergency Teams Come to the Rescue of Stranded Visitors

Published on November 29, 2025

In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah’s devastating impact on Sri Lanka, India has taken immediate action to provide critical assistance to Indian nationals stranded in the country. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has set up an Emergency Help Desk at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo, offering essential support to those affected by the storm’s catastrophic aftermath. With severe flooding, landslides, and widespread damage, the help desk has become a lifeline for stranded passengers, offering basic necessities like food and water, as well as emergency communication support through a WhatsApp helpline.

The initiative is part of India’s broader disaster-response effort, which includes deploying specialized teams and sending relief supplies to help local authorities cope with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. This support reflects the close bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka and India’s ongoing commitment to its neighborhood-first policy.

The Emergency Help Desk and India’s aid efforts are pivotal as Sri Lanka battles record rainfall and the displacement of thousands of residents, with infrastructure damage compounded by the cyclone. The deployment of India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams underscores the urgency of the situation. Here’s an in-depth look at the ongoing relief operations, India’s commitment to Sri Lanka, and how these measures are aiding those affected by the storm.

Key Points of India‘s Emergency Response to Cyclone Ditwah

• Emergency Help Desk Setup: A help desk has been established at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to provide immediate assistance to Indian nationals stranded in Sri Lanka.
• WhatsApp Helpline: Indian citizens can contact the emergency number +94 773727832 via WhatsApp to access help.
• Immediate Relief: The Indian mission is supplying essentials such as food, drinking water, and other necessary items to those in distress.
• Deployment of NDRF Teams: Two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were dispatched on November 28, 2025, to aid rescue operations in Sri Lanka.
• Humanitarian Supplies: India has airlifted 21 tonnes of supplies, including tents, blankets, mattresses, and medical kits, to support those affected by the cyclone.
• Specialized Equipment: India has sent inflatable boats, hydraulic tools, and medical kits to help with search and rescue missions, providing critical support for the Sri Lankan authorities.
• Operation Sagar Bandhu: A large-scale operation has been launched by India to deliver relief materials and coordinate rescue efforts alongside Sri Lankan forces.

Cyclone Ditwah: A Crisis that Strikes Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on November 26, 2025, unleashing devastating rainfall that caused widespread flooding and landslides in several regions of Sri Lanka, particularly along the Kelani River basin. The extreme weather conditions have displaced thousands of families, damaged infrastructure, and created massive challenges for the local government in managing relief operations.

The Sri Lankan armed forces are heavily involved in rescue operations, deploying helicopters and boats to reach those trapped in remote areas. Evacuations are ongoing, as authorities work to clear floodwaters and provide shelter to displaced populations.

India’s response to the disaster is crucial for stabilizing the situation. The timely deployment of NDRF teams and the transportation of essential supplies, including food and medical aid, have alleviated some of the pressure on Sri Lankan resources.

India’s Continued Support: The Role of Humanitarian Assistance

India’s commitment to Sri Lanka extends beyond just providing immediate relief. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also mobilized significant resources for the mission, including C-130 and IL-76 aircraft, to transport critical supplies and personnel to Colombo. This swift response exemplifies the robust bilateral ties and the sense of solidarity between the two neighboring nations.

• Over 80 NDRF Personnel Deployed: Specially trained NDRF teams are working on the ground to aid local authorities in rescue efforts and provide life-saving interventions.
• Essential Rations and Supplies: India has transported essential rations, blankets, and medical kits, focusing on providing immediate relief to the hardest-hit areas.
• Specialized HADR Equipment: The teams have brought essential equipment, including hydraulic cutting tools, to assist in clearing debris and aiding in the rescue of those trapped by fallen structures.

Bilateral Cooperation and Solidarity

India’s neighborhood-first policy has always prioritized cooperation and solidarity with its neighbors, and the response to Cyclone Ditwah is a testament to this approach. The ongoing collaboration between the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities is a clear example of how countries in the region can come together to support each other in times of crisis.

The assistance India is providing is not just about immediate relief; it is also aimed at long-term recovery efforts. The collaboration between the two countries ensures that Sri Lanka will receive the necessary resources to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.

The Ongoing Efforts: What’s Next for the Relief Operations?

As Sri Lanka continues to recover from the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, it will require sustained international support to rebuild damaged infrastructure, provide long-term humanitarian aid, and address the psychological impact on affected communities. India’s assistance will likely continue to play a significant role in these efforts.

• Focus on Rehabilitation: In the coming weeks, the focus will shift from immediate rescue operations to rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts. India is expected to remain involved in these processes, offering expertise and resources.
• Ongoing Support from Indian High Commission: The Emergency Help Desk at Bandaranaike International Airport will remain operational as long as necessary, ensuring that Indian citizens in Sri Lanka have access to assistance and information.

A Commitment to Neighborly Support

India’s swift and efficient response to the crisis caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka underscores the depth of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The Indian High Commission’s help desk, the rapid deployment of NDRF teams, and the transportation of humanitarian supplies have been crucial in supporting the relief efforts. As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the effects of the cyclone, India’s support remains steadfast, with Operation Sagar Bandhu serving as a clear indication of India’s commitment to helping its neighbor in this difficult time.

This humanitarian effort not only strengthens the people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka but also highlights the importance of regional cooperation in tackling natural disasters. India’s actions reflect a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being and recovery of those affected by Cyclone Ditwah, reaffirming the significance of strong international partnerships in times of need.

In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah’s devastating impact on Sri Lanka, India has taken immediate action to provide critical assistance to Indian nationals stranded in the country. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has set up an Emergency Help Desk at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo, offering essential support to those affected by the storm’s catastrophic aftermath. With severe flooding, landslides, and widespread damage, the help desk has become a lifeline for stranded passengers, offering basic necessities like food and water, as well as emergency communication support through a WhatsApp helpline.

The initiative is part of India’s broader disaster-response effort, which includes deploying specialized teams and sending relief supplies to help local authorities cope with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. This support reflects the close bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka and India’s ongoing commitment to its neighborhood-first policy.

The Emergency Help Desk and India’s aid efforts are pivotal as Sri Lanka battles record rainfall and the displacement of thousands of residents, with infrastructure damage compounded by the cyclone. The deployment of India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams underscores the urgency of the situation. Here’s an in-depth look at the ongoing relief operations, India’s commitment to Sri Lanka, and how these measures are aiding those affected by the storm.

Key Points of India’s Emergency Response to Cyclone Ditwah

• Emergency Help Desk Setup: A help desk has been established at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to provide immediate assistance to Indian nationals stranded in Sri Lanka.
• WhatsApp Helpline: Indian citizens can contact the emergency number +94 773727832 via WhatsApp to access help.
• Immediate Relief: The Indian mission is supplying essentials such as food, drinking water, and other necessary items to those in distress.
• Deployment of NDRF Teams: Two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were dispatched on November 28, 2025, to aid rescue operations in Sri Lanka.
• Humanitarian Supplies: India has airlifted 21 tonnes of supplies, including tents, blankets, mattresses, and medical kits, to support those affected by the cyclone.
• Specialized Equipment: India has sent inflatable boats, hydraulic tools, and medical kits to help with search and rescue missions, providing critical support for the Sri Lankan authorities.
• Operation Sagar Bandhu: A large-scale operation has been launched by India to deliver relief materials and coordinate rescue efforts alongside Sri Lankan forces.

Cyclone Ditwah: A Crisis that Strikes Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on November 26, 2025, unleashing devastating rainfall that caused widespread flooding and landslides in several regions of Sri Lanka, particularly along the Kelani River basin. The extreme weather conditions have displaced thousands of families, damaged infrastructure, and created massive challenges for the local government in managing relief operations.

The Sri Lankan armed forces are heavily involved in rescue operations, deploying helicopters and boats to reach those trapped in remote areas. Evacuations are ongoing, as authorities work to clear floodwaters and provide shelter to displaced populations.

India’s response to the disaster is crucial for stabilizing the situation. The timely deployment of NDRF teams and the transportation of essential supplies, including food and medical aid, have alleviated some of the pressure on Sri Lankan resources.

India’s Continued Support: The Role of Humanitarian Assistance

India’s commitment to Sri Lanka extends beyond just providing immediate relief. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also mobilized significant resources for the mission, including C-130 and IL-76 aircraft, to transport critical supplies and personnel to Colombo. This swift response exemplifies the robust bilateral ties and the sense of solidarity between the two neighboring nations.

• Over 80 NDRF Personnel Deployed: Specially trained NDRF teams are working on the ground to aid local authorities in rescue efforts and provide life-saving interventions.
• Essential Rations and Supplies: India has transported essential rations, blankets, and medical kits, focusing on providing immediate relief to the hardest-hit areas.
• Specialized HADR Equipment: The teams have brought essential equipment, including hydraulic cutting tools, to assist in clearing debris and aiding in the rescue of those trapped by fallen structures.

Bilateral Cooperation and Solidarity

India’s neighborhood-first policy has always prioritized cooperation and solidarity with its neighbors, and the response to Cyclone Ditwah is a testament to this approach. The ongoing collaboration between the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities is a clear example of how countries in the region can come together to support each other in times of crisis.

The assistance India is providing is not just about immediate relief; it is also aimed at long-term recovery efforts. The collaboration between the two countries ensures that Sri Lanka will receive the necessary resources to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.

The Ongoing Efforts: What’s Next for the Relief Operations?

As Sri Lanka continues to recover from the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, it will require sustained international support to rebuild damaged infrastructure, provide long-term humanitarian aid, and address the psychological impact on affected communities. India’s assistance will likely continue to play a significant role in these efforts.

• Focus on Rehabilitation: In the coming weeks, the focus will shift from immediate rescue operations to rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts. India is expected to remain involved in these processes, offering expertise and resources.
• Ongoing Support from Indian High Commission: The Emergency Help Desk at Bandaranaike International Airport will remain operational as long as necessary, ensuring that Indian citizens in Sri Lanka have access to assistance and information.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Neighborly Support

India’s swift and efficient response to the crisis caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka underscores the depth of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The Indian High Commission’s help desk, the rapid deployment of NDRF teams, and the transportation of humanitarian supplies have been crucial in supporting the relief efforts. As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the effects of the cyclone, India’s support remains steadfast, with Operation Sagar Bandhu serving as a clear indication of India’s commitment to helping its neighbor in this difficult time.

This humanitarian effort not only strengthens the people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka but also highlights the importance of regional cooperation in tackling natural disasters. India’s actions reflect a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being and recovery of those affected by Cyclone Ditwah, reaffirming the significance of strong international partnerships in times of need.