The Aryavarth Express
Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Nearly 300 Indian passengers — including about 150 Tamilians travelling from Dubai to India via Sri Lanka — have been stranded at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport for the past three days after Cyclone Ditwah forced the cancellation of several flights to Chennai.
Stranded passengers have alleged they are without adequate food, drinking water, and basic facilities as airport operations remain severely affected by the extreme weather.
Responding to the situation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin instructed the Public Department Secretary to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Colombo to ensure the safe return of Tamilians stuck in Sri Lanka. State officials have since held discussions with the Indian High Commission, seeking timely relief for passengers facing hardship at the airport.
Meanwhile, India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, which has suffered significant damage due to Cyclone Ditwah. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying nearly 12 tonnes of relief supplies landed in Colombo on Saturday under Operation Sagar Bandhu. This follows earlier consignments delivered by Indian Naval Ship Vikrant and Indian Naval Ship Udaygiri, which included 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and other essential materials for affected families.
Reiterating India’s support, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said Operation Sagar Bandhu continues to supply urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). “In this challenging moment, India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy,” the mission said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier expressed condolences over the loss of lives caused by the cyclone and confirmed the dispatch of emergency aid. “My heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Ditwah… India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support,” he stated.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Ditwah — currently positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal near Sri Lanka — is expected to intensify slightly and move towards the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast by early November 30. The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential urban flooding across Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.
