Cyclone Ditwah left Sri Lanka reeling from unprecedented floods and landslides last year, but India’s Operation Sagarbahu has been the steady hand guiding reconstruction. From naval deployments to engineering feats, the mission continues to deliver, earning effusive praise from grateful Sri Lankans.
Central to the recovery is the restoration of B-492 bridge, binding Central Province’s Kandy to Uva’s Badulla. Hammered by the storm, vital sections now feature expedited Bailey bridges at 15 and 21 km points, dramatically cutting travel disruptions and reuniting communities.
The Indian Army shared compelling footage on X, featuring a schoolgirl’s thankful words: ‘We’re so grateful for what you’ve done, coming from distant India to serve us. The broken bridge stranded us—your help has changed everything. Thank you immensely.’ This human touch amplifies the operation’s narrative of compassion amid crisis.
Launched post-Ditwah’s November 27 landfall, Sagarbahu activated INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri—poised in Colombo for the Sri Lankan Navy’s milestone fleet review—into HADR mode. As local systems buckled under infrastructure losses, India’s response filled critical gaps with relief materials and expertise.
In Mahiyanganaya, a pop-up field hospital became a hub for emergency care, handling up to 1,200 cases daily with advanced trauma and surgical interventions. These multifaceted efforts highlight India’s role as a reliable regional anchor, fostering enduring goodwill. As bridges strengthen and lives heal, Operation Sagarbahu’s legacy endures.