In an effort to re-establish connectivity in affected areas of Sri Lanka, particularly in the worst-hit Jaffna region, the Indian Army has launched an operation post Cyclone Ditwah, which left a trail of devastation in the neighbouring nation last week.
"An Engineer Task Force of Indian Army has undertaken detailed reconnaissance of the damaged Puliyampokkanai Bridge in Jaffna and in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and local Road Development Authorities, has commenced de-launching operations. The Task Force will subsequently launch a Bailey Bridge to restore critical lines of communication and re-establish connectivity in the affected areas of Jaffna," the Indian Army said in a statement on Monday.
This effort underscores India's unwavering commitment to supporting its neighbours and reinforcing regional cooperation whenever duty calls, it added.
Cyclone Ditwah, the worst natural disaster in two decades in Sri Lanka, left over 600 people dead in the tiny island country, according to official figures.
India deployed helicopters from INS Vikrant, its maiden indigenously-built aircraft carrier, to rescue stranded civilians and deliver food, water and medicines to the Sri Lankan people affected by the cyclone.