India extends helping hand to Sri Lanka, sends two field hospitals and 70-member medical team

COLOMBO: India has extended vital support to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent heavy rains caused widespread destruction across the island nation. As part of its immediate assistance, India has sent two rapidly deployable field hospitals along with a 70-member medical team, including specialist doctors. The hospitals are expected to reach Sri Lanka today.

Essential equipment for these hospitals was dispatched earlier, on November 30. Medicines, medical supplies, and the accompanying medical team have now arrived at Katunayake Airport.

Meanwhile, India has intensified rescue and relief operations in Sri Lanka under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu'. India has sent a total of 53 tonnes of relief materials. 80 NDRF personnel have also been deployed to coordinate rescue efforts. The Indian Air Force’s Chetak and MI-17 helicopters have airlifted many people who were stranded due to the disaster.

Cyclone Ditwah and the resulting heavy rainfall have also caused significant disruptions in Tamil Nadu, India. However, the weather department has forecast that rainfall is likely to subside from December 4 in Chennai and nearby districts.