Colombo, Nov. 29 – India has further expanded its humanitarian response to Sri Lanka’s disaster situation, as another Indian Air Force (IAF) IL-76 transport aircraft landed in Colombo today carrying 9 tons of relief material and two Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel.
This is the latest addition to India’s ongoing emergency assistance operations, bringing the total relief delivered by air and sea to approximately 27 tons, according to official sources. More consignments are scheduled to arrive in the coming hours.
Specialised NDRF Teams Deployed
The arriving NDRF teams—trained in flood rescue, deep-water operations, collapsed building response, and emergency medical care—were seen disembarking with equipment including generators, inflatable boats, communication systems, and rapid-response gear.
Dressed in their recognisable orange uniforms, the teams offloaded relief materials alongside Sri Lankan military and airport personnel, ready to be deployed to the hardest-hit districts.
India Strengthens Its Role in Regional Disaster Response
The IL-76, one of the largest aircraft in the IAF fleet, is capable of carrying heavy equipment and large rescue contingents. Its deployment underscores India’s commitment to fast, high-capacity humanitarian support for its neighbours.
Today’s delivery follows earlier flights, naval deployments, and humanitarian shipments under the Indian government’s ongoing assistance plan, marking one of the most coordinated bilateral relief efforts in recent years.
Essential Supplies Delivered
The 9-ton consignment includes:
- Emergency relief kits
- Tarpaulins and tents
- Water purification units
- Food supplies
- Medical and hygiene materials
These supplies will be distributed by Sri Lankan authorities to communities affected by severe flooding, landslides, and displacement caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
More Aid Incoming
Official sources confirmed that additional IAF flights and naval consignments are already being prepared, with India pledging to continue support until the emergency stabilises.
The strengthened presence of NDRF personnel signals a major boost to Sri Lanka’s ongoing rescue and relief operations on the ground, especially in areas that remain inaccessible due to weather conditions.
