In a perfect display of "military-civil synergy," the Indian Army and the Indian Navy joined hands with shipbuilder Garden Reach Shipyard and Engineers (GRSE) to transport 10 extra-wide bridges to Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagarbandhu, the Army said in a statement on Friday.
The transportation of these bridges is crucial for Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which severed connectivity to many areas of the tiny island, and was carried out by the warship INS Gharial.
The transportation of these bridges is crucial for Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which severed connectivity to many areas of the tiny island, and was carried out by the warship INS Gharial.
"Indian Army Engineers, in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Road Development Authority, are conducting detailed damage assessments of seven critical bridge sites across the Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces to restore connectivity. Additional extra-wide Bailey Bridges will be launched at these locations to re-establish vital lines of communication disrupted by Cyclone Ditwah," the Army stated.
Cyclone Ditwah, a tropical cyclone, left a tale of catastrophe in Sri Lanka in late November and December, killing nearly 650 people.
It was not only the worst natural disaster Sri Lanka has experienced since the 2004 tsunami, but also caused widespread damage to properties and farmlands, with economic losses estimated to be between $1.6 billion and $7 billion.