New Delhi, November 30 (IANS). Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ caused great devastation in Sri Lanka. In this time of crisis, India immediately extended a helping hand to its neighbour. According to the air force, C-130 and IL-76 aircraft from the Hindon Air Base near Delhi left for Sri Lanka with relief materials. These aircraft are carrying 21 tonnes of relief material, over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of equipment. In the information given on Sunday morning, the Air Force said that these planes landed in Colombo with relief materials. Not only are relief materials being delivered by Indian Air Force planes, but the rescue team of NDRF is also making efforts to save Indians stranded in Sri Lanka. Apart from this, relief and rescue operations have also been intensified in Tamil Nadu. Indian Air Force planes arrived here with essential equipment and relief workers. India reiterated the spirit of ‘Neighbor First’ and took the initiative to provide relief to the people in the disaster. Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters are engaged in providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations on a large scale. This entire operation was called Operation Sagar Bandhu. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, teams are deployed to carry out immediate rescue operations and relief materials are provided. The Indian Air Force has deployed Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo to speed up the relief operations. With this help can be provided more quickly to the affected areas. Along with this, Air Force C-17, C-130 and IL-76 transport aircraft were kept ready for the safe evacuation of Indian nationals on a large scale. According to the information shared by the Air Force, C-130 and IL-76 aircraft took off from Hindon Air Base on the night of November 29. These aircraft carried 21 tonnes of relief material and over 80 NDRF personnel. Apart from this, special equipment has been sent to rescue people stranded in difficult areas due to floods and storms, etc. According to the Air Force, the material sent to help Sri Lanka includes essential rations, medicines, medical kits, Bhishma pads and other disaster relief equipment. At the same time, 17 Globemaster was transporting another NDRF team and heavy equipment from Pune to Chennai. This campaign was started so that relief efforts can be intensified in the coastal areas of South India as well. On the morning of November 30, a C-130 aircraft took off from Hindon Air Force Base with relief supplies. The IL-76 aircraft has already reached Colombo. Along with offloading relief materials from the aircraft, this team will also work to bring back stranded Indian nationals. As additional support, another C-17 aircraft is being loaded at Vadodara with the NDRF team and their equipment, which will be flown to Chennai. All airlift missions are conducted continuously to ensure timely assistance to both Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. This reflects India’s commitment to humanitarian aid. The Indian Air Force has explained that it is committed to saving lives and providing assistance to distressed neighboring countries at all possible times. Operation Sagar Bandhu emerged as a sensitive and humanitarian example of friendship and regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. –IANS gcb/kk/vc