At least 123 people have died and nearly 130 remain missing in Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah triggered severe floods and landslides. The island nation is facing one of its worst natural disasters in recent years, prompting an urgent humanitarian response from India.

India Sends Immediate Aid Under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’

India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to support Sri Lanka during its crisis. The first batch of relief supplies was delivered on Saturday.

• The Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri transported large consignments of aid to Colombo.

• India also sent an aircraft loaded with emergency supplies earlier the same day.

The relief includes food, medicines, tents, essential equipment, and other humanitarian support.

Cyclone Ditwah Causes Widespread Destruction in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka continues to battle the consequences of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and large-scale landslides. Sri Lankan Authorities confirmed:

• 123 deaths

• Around 130 people missing

• Tens of thousands displaced

Large areas submerged under waterHomes, infrastructure, and roads have suffered severe damage, and rescue teams are still working on the ground. Many videos have surfaced on social media. One of them, shared by Indian Army veteran SK Chakraborty, shows the devastating situation in Sri Lanka.

123 people dead and 130 missing in #SriLanka.
India Launches 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' To Assist Sri Lanka in its hour of crisis, and the first tranche of relief materials was handed over after the consignments were transported by the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant… pic.twitter.com/68jX7h4TA2

— SK Chakraborty (@sanjoychakra) November 29, 2025

Heavy Rainfall Hits Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Approaches

Cyclone Ditwah has also brought intense rainfall and strong winds to several districts in Tamil Nadu.

Areas affected include:

• Thanjavur

• Nagapattinam

• Mayiladuthurai

• Cuddalore

• Kumbakonam

• Thiruvaiyaru

• Pattukottai

• Parts of Chennai

Authorities issued alerts for coastal and delta districts as the weather condition intensified.

Advisory Issued for Coastal Zones; Dhanushkodi on Alert

Officials have asked tourists to avoid Dhanushkodi, located on the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island near Rameswaram, as a precaution due to rough sea conditions.
Though there is no formal ban announced yet, district authorities urged the public to stay away from vulnerable coastal stretches.

Dhanushkodi, known for its tragic destruction in the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone, remains highly sensitive to extreme weather events.

India–Sri Lanka Cooperation Strengthens in Crisis

The launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu highlights India’s commitment to supporting its neighbour in times of distress.
More consignments of relief material and disaster-response teams are expected in the coming days as Sri Lanka continues to recover from the cyclone’s devastation.