The Indian Army has stepped up its humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, accelerating bridge restoration work and expanding medical support under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

The efforts are being carried out in coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and local civil administration.

The Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force (ETF) has begun retrieval and de-launching of the damaged Puliyampokkanai Bridge in Jaffna, using a wheeled excavator to support Sri Lanka’s Road Development Authority (RDA). 

The task is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed by December 10, with the first Bailey bridge likely to be launched by Saturday afternoon.

To aid construction of a 120-ft dual carriageway in Jaffna, around 70 per cent of the required stores have already been moved from the RDA yard, with the rest expected to arrive by Wednesday evening.

At Chilaw, pier construction is likely to begin within the next 48 hours. One complete Bailey bridge set has already reached the site, while loading of a fourth set at Pathankot is under way and scheduled to depart at 0900 hrs on December 9.

In line with the Army’s modernisation push and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the ETF is using indigenous drones, SONAR-based laser range finders, remotely operated combat cruiser UGVs and other advanced equipment for reconnaissance at both sites, helping compress operational timelines.

The PARA Field Hospital continues to deliver critical medical support, having treated 3,338 patients so far. On December 8 alone, the team attended to 1,128 patients, carried out 73 minor procedures and conducted four surgeries. 

The facility has drawn positive feedback from local communities, and a visit by the Sri Lankan President is expected shortly.

With rapid engineering work, high-impact medical aid and deployment of modern indigenous technology, the Indian Army has underscored its commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and to standing by Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the cyclone.

Source: INDIA TODAY

--Agencies