India has sent additional modular bridge systems and water purification units to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused significant devastation and loss of life. The ongoing humanitarian support aims to restore connectivity and essential services in affected areas.

International

-Sathish Raman

India has sent additional modular bridge systems to cyclone-affected Sri Lanka. This is part of ongoing humanitarian aid to reconnect isolated communities and restore essential services. Cyclone Ditwah has caused widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure collapse, isolating several districts and straining Sri Lanka's disaster-response capacity. As of Thursday evening, 486 people have died, and 341 are missing due to extreme weather since November 16.

The Indian Air Force deployed a C-17 Globemaster aircraft on Thursday, delivering more Bailey Bridge systems. This followed a similar delivery on Wednesday, which included 500 water purification units at Colombo's request. "Yet another C-17 Globemaster of @IAF_MCC landed in Sri Lanka carrying Bailey Bridge units. These modular structures can be rapidly assembled, within hours, to restore connectivity along vital road links of Sri Lanka," the High Commission of India in Colombo posted on social media on Thursday.

Humanitarian Assistance Under Operation Sagar Bandhu

India's humanitarian support to Sri Lanka is part of Operation Sagar Bandhu. This operation involves extensive air, sea, and ground efforts to deliver urgent relief to those affected by the cyclone. The mission also includes 25 personnel, comprising expert engineers for bridge installation and a medical team for the field hospital set up earlier.

On Wednesday, Indian engineers began installing the Bailey bridge in crucial areas. "Indian field engineers who arrived last night with Bailey Bridge units have reached the site for reconnaissance. They are now working to restore vital road connectivity along key routes damaged in the wake of #CycloneDitwah, helping reopen access for communities in need," it added.

Digital Cooperation and Disaster Management

Disaster-management cooperation between India and Sri Lanka extends to the digital realm. In a virtual meeting on Wednesday, Bhaskar Katamneni from Andhra Pradesh shared a digital toolkit with Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the Sri Lankan President on Digital Economy. This toolkit showcases best practices in disaster preparedness and response.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's unwavering support. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with over 18 lakh people from more than 5 lakh families marooned as per data from Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre.

Relief Efforts and Economic Impact

The government operates 1,347 relief centres sheltering over 188,000 individuals. According to National Disaster Relief Services Centre Assistant Secretary Jayathissa Munasinghe, telecommunications have seen partial restoration. TRC Director General Bandula Herath noted that about 75% of mobile coverage is back online.

No communication towers were damaged; however, 16,926 distribution points remain affected due to power shortages. Accidental deaths among relief workers have risen to eight. A 41-year-old electricity board employee was electrocuted during restoration work. Earlier incidents included the death of a Sri Lankan Air Force pilot during an airdrop mission and fatalities among Navy personnel and a Road Development Authority worker during rescue operations.

Officials estimate economic losses from the cyclone at USD 6 billion to 7 billion, equating to roughly 3-5% of Sri Lanka's GDP. The scale of destruction highlights the severe impact on the island nation's economy.

With inputs from PTI