Operation Sagar Bandhu: India Deploys NDRF Teams to Aid Sri Lanka as Torrential Floods Disrupt Daily Life

India has mobilised specialised National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units to Sri Lanka as part of “Operation Sagar Bandhu”, a humanitarian mission launched in response to the island nation’s ongoing battle with devastating monsoon floods. The deployment comes as several districts in Sri Lanka continue to face inundation, road blockages, power interruptions, and mass displacement following days of intense rainfall.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the deployment on Saturday, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal sharing updates and visuals of NDRF personnel operating in severely affected regions. The shared footage shows Indian rescue teams navigating waist-deep water, assisting stranded families, and facilitating evacuations in coordination with Sri Lankan disaster-response agencies.

In his post on X, Jaiswal wrote: “#OperationSagarBandhu — NDRF personnel are working on the ground in Sri Lanka, helping evacuate stranded citizens and supporting rescue and relief efforts.” He added that the initiative reflects India’s commitment to extending timely humanitarian support to neighbours during emergencies.

According to the MEA, the NDRF teams are working alongside Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) to reach vulnerable pockets where people remain cut off due to rising water levels. Their tasks include rescuing residents trapped in flooded homes, shifting vulnerable groups to safer shelters, and offering initial relief in coordination with local authorities.

This assistance is part of India’s broader regional outreach framework known for rapid-response cooperation during natural disasters. Over the past decade, India has undertaken several emergency missions in Sri Lanka — including assistance after the 2020 floods, support during landslides, and pandemic-related aid — strengthening disaster-management collaboration between the two countries.

Officials noted that the current phase of Operation Sagar Bandhu focuses on immediate life-saving measures, improved field coordination, and ensuring that response teams remain equipped as the situation evolves. With weather forecasts warning of possible continued rainfall in parts of Sri Lanka, authorities on both sides are expanding evacuation zones and intensifying relief work.

The MEA emphasised that the assistance is being delivered based on Sri Lanka’s specific requirements and aligns with India’s principle of supporting partner nations in times of crisis. The operation underscores New Delhi’s vision of “neighbourhood first” and its readiness to contribute personnel, resources, and technical expertise wherever necessary.

As Sri Lanka works to restore normalcy and manage the aftermath of the flooding, the presence of NDRF personnel stands as a reaffirmation of India’s long-standing humanitarian partnership and its commitment to regional resilience.