Indian Nationals Airlifted from Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka

Colombo: Over 320 Indian nationals stranded at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo due to the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah were evacuated on Sunday with support from the Indian High Commission.

Officials said 323 passengers were flown out on two Indian Air Force aircraft, an IL-76 carrying 247 travellers to Thiruvananthapuram and a C-130J transporting 76 passengers to Delhi. Further evacuations through commercial airlines are continuing.

The aircraft had reached Sri Lanka a day earlier carrying food supplies and humanitarian assistance for communities affected by flash floods. Acting High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey met stranded Indians at the airport, assuring them of New Delhi’s efforts to ensure their safe and swift return. The High Commission provided food and water to those in need.

Sri Lanka has declared a nationwide state of emergency following widespread devastation caused by the cyclone, which triggered heavy rains, floods and landslides. As of Sunday morning, the Disaster Management Centre reported at least 334 deaths and 370 people missing.

The High Commission has urged distressed Indians to contact its emergency helpline or approach airline counters now operating at the Colombo airport for assistance.